By Michael Thompson, BA, PCC
When in a coaching relationship or even in a 1-2-1 with other people, the ability to rapidly connect with the perspective of another person is what I leverage, to establish trust quickly.
Ensuring the perspective is one that is congruent with the other person requires some bit of risk, or else we are simply repeating what they have said. To do this I will often share back through my own interpretation what it is I’m hearing, feeling, connecting or struggling with.
This is best done with the permission of the other person, “Can I share what I’m hearing?”, “Mind if I interject one moment?”, “Could I connect this to a previous comment you made?”
Knowing that the trust between myself and a client, is the fuel for them to correct observations and perceptions I’ve tangled incorrectly. When someone else can hear their perspective through different words and tones in another person, it’s meaningful for several reasons:
- They get full confidence that they are being understood, especially when the other person connects the appropriate emotional context or tone.
- They often get to experience a form of relief as they feel seen, heard and understood.
- Both parties share a higher definition of context to move forward, knowing the meaning they are ascribing to their environment can ensure further trust is built.
People, the world, climate and business are changing. Everything changes and nothing stays consistent but change. In this way our ability to take the perspective of others is important.
Just because we felt a certain way, walked a certain way, spoke a certain way or made a certain decision last year does not mean we are incapable or disinterested in developing or growing our perspective. Unfortunately, we’ve created a world where dismissing perspective is far too simple and common. The domino effect of missing another’s’ perspective in the workplace can be detrimental.
When engagement is a choice and our talents are valued across the street, cultivating a culture of perspective taking benefits organizations and teams. So how do we learn to take the perspective of others well? It’s not easy.
- Value the other person in front of you, even if you don’t, even if you’re low on energy. Recognize their time on Earth has taught them something it may not have taught you.
- When someone’s behavior shows they do not care about your perspective, honor that.
- Remember, there is something to be learned from fools and the moment you choose to think there isn’t – you’ve lost perspective.
Thank you for readingmy blog and please get in touch if you’d like to talk more about persepctive taking.
Warm Regards
Michael