Perspective

Back when I was just starting out in my career, my manager graciously sent me to a course in time management where I was first introduced to the book  called “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” written by Stephen R. Covey.  The course mostly focused on time management (a required job function of my then-current job), but I became most intrigued by the book and  read it on my own time.

That was my first introduction to the concept of “paradigm shift” or a change in perspective. For example, two people can be present at the exact same event but yet come up with two different interpretations of what happened.

It made me wonder: how can one thing be interpreted in different ways?

So what happens when people gather to negotiate – or rather discuss in an aim to reach an agreement?  How do we get past our own personal perspective and agree? 

Practice.
We can all use some practice in perspective, but how do we get started? Here are some suggestions (starting from the simplest):

1. Ask the other side questions on their position / perspective.
2. Practice Empathy.
3. Think about and make a List of the other side’s possible viewpoints. You can use a simple piece of paper or the template here.