Seeing in Panoramic Format

They call those pictures with a wide angle - Panoramic Images. Movie screens are designed in letterbox format. These wide angle views are more pleasing to most people. Some people get distracted by what isn't there (You know the black bar on top and bottom of the tv screen). I can often get distracted by what isn't there, often avoiding opportunities to be in the moment. Just think about it: What horizontal bars are keeping me from really engaging today? Maybe if I set aside time and attention to the black bars early in the day, I'll become blissfully unaware that they are there for the remainder of the day, much like what happens when enjoying a letterbox movie.


I enjoy creating panoramic images by taking more than one picture and stitching them together being careful to find the natural places they overlap. Together these images can have a very pleasing wide horizontal view of a much larger area and show the big picture. Can you see where this picture of our lodge was stitched together?

When I stitch the photos together, there is a certain level of overlap. It’s that way with the skills and abilities of the people I work with every day. Seen as distinct separate photographs, they can be cropped into nice images, but by piecing the elements together and making use of the overlap between the skills of the people I work with can create a grand image, something, far beyond what is possible by myself. How can I make better use of the skills, talents, unique features of those around me to create grand panoramic images?

What types of skills, talents, and abilities are around me waiting to be stitched into a grander vision? Maybe they are not even within my organization. Is there a way to co-operate to create something bigger and better that what two or more organizations can accomplish on their own? Partnerships can have mutual benefit! How can I use others to enhance the quality of my products or services?

Just do it: Make a list of 5 great skills and abilities lurking your community, and spend 10 minutes thinking about how to put them to better use in panoramic format.