The general himself ought to be such a one as can at the same time see both forward and backward.

Anyone leading anything has to hold two directions at once: what is coming, and what is behind. Looking only ahead means the people and problems you left unattended catch up with you, and looking only back means you are managing the last crisis while the next one forms. The skill is in the switching rather than in either view.

Set a regular half hour to look in the direction you naturally neglect. If you are a planner, review what has actually happened lately and who was left carrying it. If you live in the present emergency, spend that half hour on the next quarter.