A Zen master points towards the moon and says to his students, “Look at the moon!” One of the students, focusing on the master’s finger instead of the moon, asks, “What is it you want us to see?” The master replies, “Do not focus on the finger pointing at the moon. Look at the moon itself.”
The “moon” symbolizes the ultimate vision for individuals and organizations, while the “finger” represents the tools and systems designed to get there. Leaders and teams should ensure that their strategies and actions align with the core objectives, rather than losing sight of the vision in the details. This perspective fosters clarity, alignment, and innovation, helping the organization stay focused on what truly matters.