Why Every Leader Needs a Tourist Mindset
I’m seeing things differently, are you?
This week, I’m traveling in India, spending time in Dehli and Jaipur—and I’m acutely aware that everyone around me knows I’m a tourist.
But being a tourist is a privilege—something about being one changes the way you see the world.
You walk down unfamiliar streets, take in the small details, and notice things you’d overlook at home. You ask more questions. You’re more present.
The same can be true for how we approach success.
Most of us get stuck in our routines—seeing the same people, working in the same ways, and solving problems within the same mental framework we’ve always used.
But what if we approached our work, leadership, and goals with a tourist’s mindset?
Seeing Success Through a New Lens
During my time in India, I’ve been struck by the sheer creativity, collaboration, and resourcefulness around me. It’s a constant reminder that there is never just one way to do something—and one mind is better than two.
Yet, back home, I see so many leaders, entrepreneurs, and high achievers—brilliant, capable people—who feel stuck. They’re facing tough challenges, but instead of looking outward, they double down on figuring it out alone.
They don’t reach out to colleagues, new or old—someone who’s navigated a similar challenge. They don’t step back long enough to see how others—perhaps in different industries, organizational cultures, or contexts—have tackled problems like theirs. Under intense pressure to deliver, they shoulder it all, believing the only way forward is to push harder and figure it out alone.
It’s easy to get stuck in how things have always been done or solving problems with the same people. But stepping outside of that—even for a moment—can change everything.
Why You Need a ‘Sightseeing’ Trip
You don’t need to book a flight to experience this shift.
Try looking at your work, leadership, and success with fresh eyes.
If you’re facing a challenge, ask: Who else may have solved this before? Who sees this differently than I do?
If you’re feeling uninspired, try stepping into a different environment—visit a company, industry, or culture that operates entirely differently.
If you’re stuck in a pattern, experiment with shifting one thing—your routine, conversations, inputs—and see what opens up.
The Best Leaders Are Always Learning
The leaders who thrive long-term aren’t the ones who have all the answers—they’re the ones who stay open. They know that the best ideas, insights, and solutions often come from unexpected places.
So, what’s one way you can ‘travel’ outside your usual frame of reference this week? Where can you borrow inspiration, ask new questions, or see success through a new lens?
Success isn’t just about pushing forward. Sometimes, it’s about stepping back, looking around, and seeing what’s been there all along.
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