Perspective Matters.
Hi There,
Here’s a classic coaching perspective: You can’t change a circumstance, but you can choose your response to it. When we choose to respond to last week’s turmoil in the US Capitol Building, it’s an opportunity for deep conversation. Plus, it yields a foundational lesson to apply to inclusion in the workplace.
The angry siege gave us a glimmer into how bad things are for some. We might assume we know the “why”, but that’s being obtuse. Life isn’t one-dimensional. There are many “whys”, and the lesson lies within them.
Leonard Cohen poetically wrote, “There is a crack in everything, that’s how the light gets in”. When you shine light on another’s perspective, it’s a step toward understanding, inclusion and co-creation. Certainly, I’m not suggesting positional shouting matches, but rather the opportunity to ask questions and create a space to truly listen to others’ varied perspectives. Deep Listening is the opportunity that surfaces.
Each of us shares a blind spot, assuming that others see the world just as we do. Ask yourself the questions, “What are my colleagues seeing? What are their perspectives?” You can be genuinely curious about why Steve is always pushing back against your ideas or why Jamie insists on rehashing past instances.
Listening, asking questions and acknowledging another’s perspective are first steps to creating a solution. It may not thrill all parties, but when done genuinely, everyone feels heard, respected and counted.
To accomplish this in the workplace, listen to Barack Obama’s insight on thoughtfully considering the other’s perspective. Then, take it for a spin with a co-worker. Chose a word, a subject or a proclamation that a colleague makes and ask questions about it with no agenda beyond understanding the other person.
Share your experience. I’d love to listen and learn from it!
Cheers!
-Deborah
Deborah Goldstein
DRIVEN Professionals / Forbes / Linkedin
info@drivenpros.com | LinkedIn
DRIVEN Professionals, 35 Adrienne Lane, Garrison, NY 10524