You may have seen the picture of two people on opposite ends of a large number arguing over whether it was a ‘six’or a ‘nine’.
How easily our differing perspectives can lead to a conflict.
Author Richard Rohr wrote “Most people do not see things as they are; they see things as they are.”
All of us view the world through our own distinctive lens.
It’s a lens that is formed by our background, experiences, beliefs, perceptions, assumptions, attitudes and feelings.
Relationship breakdown can occur when we are unaware of our unconscious bias and think that our way of seeing things is the ‘right’ way. We get stuck in our positions and unable to see from the other’s perspective. Sadly, we miss the opportunity to expand our thinking.
Inflexibility shrinks our world.
When you encounter a different perspective from your own, it is helpful to consider ‘What might I be missing here?’
Be curious about why the person has taken this stance.
Approach every conversation trying to learn something rather than prove something.
When we are open to understanding difference we not only become more informed, we communicate that this person matters to us.
Curiosity has been described as social glue that strengthens our connections.
Community and relationships are enriched by our diversity.
Each of us has something to offer.
When we combine our unique perspectives, we get a much wider view and realise how narrow and limited our sole perspective is.
When we are willing to listen and consider perspectives other than our own we find that there is so much more to the story.
