Welcome back and I hope this email finds you well and thriving. Last week’s Thought was “Connecting Cultures and Decades” and how, by actively listening, seeking diverse perspectives, and practicing cultural sensitivity, we can build bridges of empathy that transcend cultural and generational divides.
If you missed it, you can catch up here.
This week I’d like to delve deeper into a concept that is essential to both our personal growth and our ability to communicate effectively – perspective.
I shared before how I was a Duty Manager in the lost baggage department at British Airways. In my role there, I had to manage negative customer feedback all the time, some of which could be quite critical. Early in my career, I sometimes took negative feedback personally, assuming the customers were simply being difficult or unreasonable.
However, over time, I found myself empathising more with the traveller who had just lost their bag. I realised that when we show genuine understanding of their situation, clearly explain the steps we’ll take to locate their bag and ensure they have what they most need until it’s found and delivered to their home or hotel, it goes a long way in reassuring them.
By approaching their comments with an open mind and seeking to understand the underlying concerns, I was able to implement changes that not only improved our offerings but also strengthened our customer relationships. This experience taught me that what may seem like criticism is often a valuable perspective that can drive positive change.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to fall into the trap of believing that our way of seeing things is the only way. We can hold our opinions close, convinced that our perspective is the correct one, and sometimes struggle to understand how others could see things differently. Yet, perspective is a wonderful and powerful thing:
- It shapes how we see the world, how we interpret experiences, and how we interact with others.
- It’s what makes communication so rich and, at times, challenging.
- It influences how we interpret words, how we respond to situations, and even how we perceive conflict.
“Two men looked out from prison bars, one saw the mud, the other saw stars.”
-Dale Carnegie-
[Writer, lecturer, and the developer of courses in self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking, and interpersonal skills].
When two people come together, each with their own perspective, it’s like viewing a multifaceted gem – each angle reveals something different, yet each view is part of the whole truth. The beauty of perspective lies in its diversity; each of us views life through a unique lens, influenced by our backgrounds, cultures, and personal experiences. And yet, while our perspectives may differ, they are all valid.
Yes, these differing perspectives can sometimes lead to misunderstandings. We might find ourselves thinking; “How can they not see that I’m right?”
But here’s the key: what if both perspectives are right? What if, instead of a single truth, there are multiple truths, each reflecting a different aspect of the situation?
Perception becomes particularly significant when we consider communication.
When we recognise that multiple truths can coexist, we open ourselves to richer, more meaningful conversations. We begin to see disagreements not as battles to be won, but as opportunities to learn and grow. This shift in mindset can transform our communication, making it more empathetic, open, and constructive.
This week, I invite you to consider this and embrace the wonder of perspective in your interactions. Next time you find yourself in a disagreement or facing a differing opinion, pause and consider the possibility that both sides could be right. By doing so, you’ll not only improve your communication but also deepen your understanding of the world around you.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this topic.
“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorns have roses”
-Alphonse Karr-
[French journalist, novelist, and critic, known for his sharp wit, satirical writing style, and keen observations of society].
With warmest wishes,
Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!
P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights!
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