Can you see around the corner?

Reader,

In the early days of the pandemic, I reached out to a Fortune 500 CEO who had led through all kinds of crises.

Her advice: "Your job as the leader is to see around the corner."

In this email, we’re unpacking what that really means—and considering what it takes to lead in a complex, ever-changing world.

This practiced leader was encouraging me to build a critical skill:

• Seeing what’s coming before it happens.
• Being ready for risks that could set us back.
• Knowing what’s ahead and acting accordingly.

But here's the truth: it’s not actually possible to know the future. And it’s definitely not possible to be ready for every hidden risk.

Company success is often tied to predictability.

But the reality? Predictable results in an unpredictable world are impossible.

So when I was coached to “see around corners” at a time of peak uncertainty, it felt like she was asking me to do the impossible.

Teams do need to produce consistent results, because a company can’t survive without income and profit. That’s why even once-great companies fail.

But the skill this executive was really encouraging wasn’t about knowing the future.

It was about anticipating it:

• Looking ahead—what are we planning to do?
• Looking around—what else is happening?
• Looking beyond—what external conditions might affect us?

Then, turning that perspective into strategy: "How will we respond to whatever comes and still succeed?"

When the stakes are high, the question isn’t whether you saw it coming.

It’s whether you’re equipped to respond.

It's a valuable skill.

Why? For one, so few people do it, because it takes time.

• You need margin to anticipate.
• You need to think from a higher vantage point to be strategic.
• You need to pay attention to assess what's happening.
• You need to be informed to understand what could affect you.

And all of that competes with the pull of the urgent and immediate. It's the opposite of being in action and getting things done.

That's why the move from individual contributor to leader is so significant.

You're not just doing the work, you're preparing for what's next. You're developing brand new skills and abilities.

The link to trust.

Ever been here?

You didn't look ahead early enough. Now, a big deliverable is upon you, and the scramble begins.

You're blindsided by things you didn't anticipate.

Corners are cut. Quality slips.

The team somehow manages to pull it off, but it wasn't great—and it definitely wasn’t fun.

• One person really dropped the ball, and you're not sure you can trust him again.
• Another doesn't show up fully, so you figure she just doesn't care.
• Mistakes were made, now there's damage to repair.

And you're burned out. You gave your all... for what?

Consider the challenges you face right now.

Are they happening because you or your team:

• Are reacting instead of anticipating?
• Are trying to control, force, or predict outcomes?
• Don’t regularly look ahead, around, and beyond?
• Aren't turning insights into strategies that help you adapt?
• Lack the margin needed for this level of thinking?

How we think about our work matters, and perspective changes everything.

There are so many phrases—like “see around the corner”—that sound wise but need unpacking.

If we can be more precise with our language, we’ll give better advice, build better skills, and become better leaders.

What phrases are you hearing? What's on your mind right now?

I'd love to know. Reply any time.

Enjoy!

Sara

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