Perspective is a powerful leadership tool. When you understand and value different viewpoints, you build the trust needed to achieve goals, develop talent, and create lasting change.
Mastering perspective requires intentional practice. Leaders who see through multiple lenses – their own and others’ – gain deeper insights that accelerate progress and drive success.
To strengthen your power of perspective:
- Know Your Own Lens. Understanding your perspective is the first step to appreciating others’. Reflect on how your experiences shape your thinking and decision-making. When you recognize your unique viewpoint, you can welcome different perspectives without judgment.
- Listen First. Follow Stephen Covey’s principle: “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” Ask for others’ perspectives before sharing your own. This enables them to share without feeling the pressure to affirm your thinking, and reveals how others think and process information. You’ll communicate more effectively when you understand their starting point.
- Be Fully Present. Give your complete attention when others share their views. Resist the urge to interrupt or jump to solutions. Listen deeply, stay curious, and let go of preconceived notions. Your full presence signals respect and opens you to new possibilities.
- Create a Shared Perspective. Sharing perspectives expands everyone’s vision and awareness. When all have been heard, they’re more likely to commit to shared goals. Synthesize what you’ve learned by connecting different viewpoints, and linking them to your company’s strategies and culture. This creates a unified perspective that everyone can rally behind.
How well have you mastered your power of perspective?