I think too often we listen to people that agree with us, or people that are like us. We suffer from tunnel vision, not because that is what we want, because that is what we align ourselves with. This can be good in short duration where critical things need to be accomplished, however, taking a pause for perspective from alternative sources should be viewed as a necessary step toward progress.
The challenge is that people with different perspectives are not just going to give it to you. You have to reach out and try to get engage them, get past their initial barriers and specific ask for their perspective. This is not an easy thing to do, we are fearful of this, but it is necessary. Sometimes we know that what that other person is going to say is not going to be something that you like. Well, all the more reason to listen.
When you hear a different perspective, you do not need to adjust your view of even change your behavior. You are only obligated to listen and to understand. Armed with more information you can then deliberately choose to slightly modify your own perspective. I say slightly modify, because that is the wisest choice. Radical changes each time you get a new perspective can be dangerous, you can fall victim to the changing tides. Rather observe, watch, consider and carefully adopt what makes sense.
You are in charge of your own view, no one else is, however it is wise to accept counsel from the least likely of sources.
Guy Reams (163)
365 Member
