Perspective changes everything.

How can we see through the eyes of others? Why would we want to?

When I can stop and consider how someone else sees the problem or lack of a problem, the new view can change my perception.

Perspective or perception?

Let’s keep this simple.

Basically, perspective is the vantage point from which I view the world. My interpretation of what I see shapes my perceptions. Depending on where I am standing, or the experiences I bring to the discussion, perspective changes. When my perspective changes, my perception or interpretation of what I see changes.

“We must look at the lens through which we see the world, as well as the world we see, and that the lens itself shapes how we interpret the world.” – Stephen R. Covey

Teams often complain about colleagues who refuse to look at the issues. Frustration builds when we don’t understand why others cannot or will not see what appears plainly in front of us.

Improvement, excellence, quality—all require change. Change creates discomfort. Leading change requires seeking and responding to the needs of others.  We acknowledge and respond to other’s views of the world. We learn to see the same situation from a different perspective.

Influential leaders learn to see problems through the eyes of others. They make deliberate efforts to seek understanding. Responsive leaders remain open to issues and people’s concerns.  They organize their actions based on other considerations. Most importantly, they stay focused on the purpose and intent of the goal.

Dare to change the rules . . .

Many of us, myself included, would prefer that others just see things our way. But then we lose the opportunity to dig deeper. To dare ourselves and others to open our thoughts to new perspectives. Leading for excellence, to become our best, makes room for believing in what is possible.

Relating to change in a new way brings us closer to what we want rather than on what is impossible. It may also mean being willing to look at things from a different vantage point.

How will you see through the eyes of others today?

And always—

Be kind. Be brave. Be you.

Photo: © Kathryn LeRoy