Julio Olalla, a distinguished ontological coach, invites us to explore “seeing with new eyes”. He emphasises that genuine transformation begins with how we see, not merely with what we do
Core concept
- The way you see reality is intrinsically connected to the way you act.
- Altering actions alone may yield only incremental improvements.
- However, transforming the underlying worldview can dramatically change actions—and therefore results—in a transformational way.
Implications
This shift—from doing to seeing—represents a fundamental internal transformation. It has the potential to elevate individuals, teams and leaders beyond typical incremental gains to become truly remarkable.
Details
1. Starting point: Observation
Julio Olalla posits that our perception shapes our action. When we operate from habitual ways of seeing, our efforts tend to produce predictable outcomes. Changing the world requires us to first change how we perceive it.
2. Shifting from surface to depth
Small behavioural adjustments (e.g., refining a task, improving a skill) often result in minor improvements. But a change at the level of worldview—how one interprets meaning, context and possibility—leads to transformational action.
3. The result: Transformation
When leaders or individuals truly see differently—free from entrenched assumptions—they behave differently. They act from a new space, unleashing creativity, responsiveness and authenticity that can significantly elevate outcomes.
Model Applied (Adapted for Leadership Context)
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Surface change | Behavioural tweaks without altering perspective. |
| Deep change | Shifts in worldview that fundamentally alter responses. |
| Transformational | Actions arising from new perception, producing exceptional results. |
Example
A team might improve productivity by adopting new tools (surface change). A leadership team that reframes their worldview—perhaps seeing challenges as opportunities rather than threats—acts in fundamentally more creative and collaborative ways (deep change), leading to exceptional innovation and engagement (transformational).
Why this matters
This distinction underscores that leadership and organisational change must address not only behaviours but also fundamental worldview. Facilitating shifts in how people perceive reality unlocks deeper, more potent transformation.