Welcome back! Last week’s Thought was “How Perspective Changes Everything” when we explored the importance of perspective in our interactions, understanding that differing viewpoints can coexist and enrich our conversations. If you missed it, you can catch up here.
What did you notice about perspectives in the conversations going on around you this week? How did your own perspective change?
This week, I want to delve into something equally important: How we learn and how our unique learning styles shape our perceptions and perspectives.
Benjamin Franklin was polymath learner: a leading writer, scientist, inventor, statesman, diplomat, printer, publisher and political philosopher who altered the course of American history.
In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to assume that everyone processes information and learns in the same way we do. However, the truth is that we all have unique learning styles that shape how we perceive the world and communicate with others. Recognising these differences is crucial to building stronger, more empathetic connections.
Some of us are visual learners, relying on images and diagrams to make sense of information. Others might be auditory learners, needing to hear concepts explained to truly understand them. There are also kinaesthetic learners, who need to engage in hands-on activities to grasp new ideas fully. Some people grasp concepts better through reading, while others need to hear information to absorb it fully. These differences in learning styles aren’t just about preference; they profoundly influence how we see the world.
These differences in learning styles are not just academic – they influence how we interpret and interact with the world. A visual learner might focus on the body language of a speaker, while an auditory learner might be more attuned to the tone of voice. Each learning style offers a different lens through which we perceive our experiences.
This diversity in perception is what makes human interaction so rich and complex. It also means that misunderstandings can occur when we forget that others might see things differently based on their learning preferences.
By embracing the variety of learning styles, we can enhance our communication and deepen our relationships. When we take the time to understand how others learn and perceive the world, we move closer to a place of mutual respect and empathy.
Consider this: if you’re someone who learns best through visual cues, your perception of a situation might be deeply influenced by what you see.
Meanwhile, someone who learns through auditory means might focus on what they hear, leading to a completely different interpretation of the same event.
There are 7 general learning styles in all: Visual, Auditory, Kinaesthetic, Theorist, Pragmatist, Reflector and Activist.
My own preferred style is Pragmatist, and Kinaesthetic and I prefer to be shown how to do something and learn through experience and then I get on with it!
Pragmatists are practical learners who focus on applying knowledge and skills to real-world situations. They prefer learning that is relevant and immediately applicable.
Kinaesthetic learners learn best through physical activities and hands-on experiences. They prefer to touch, feel, and do, rather than simply listen or watch.
On my Leadership programmes, we delve deeper into all of these. This variety in learning styles is a beautiful reminder that there isn’t just one way to experience or understand the world. Our perceptions, shaped by experiences and how we learn, are as unique as our fingerprints. And just as our learning styles differ, so do our perspectives and interpretations of the world around us.
When we acknowledge that each person learns and perceives differently, we open the door to greater empathy and understanding. We realise that what might seem obvious to us might not be as clear to someone else – and that’s okay. Again, it’s not about who’s right or wrong; it’s about appreciating that our differences make our collective experience richer.
So, this week, I encourage you to consider the learning styles of those around you. Whether at work, at home, or in your community, pay attention to how others absorb and process information. By doing so, you’ll not only enhance your communication but also deepen your connections.
Let’s look at an example: Take Benjamin Franklin, for example, who was a pragmatic and kinaesthetic learner who thrived on practical, hands-on experience and learning by doing. He also demonstrated strong theorist traits, focusing on the underlying principles of problems and developing systematic approaches to improvement. His wide-ranging achievements suggest that he integrated various learning styles, making him a highly adaptive and versatile learner.
“Tell me and I forget, teach me and I may remember, involve me and I learn.”
–Benjamin Franklin-
Thank you for being part of this journey of exploration and growth. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on this topic!
With warmest wishes,
Korinne Le Page
Thrive Coaching & Training – Empowering You to Thrive!
P.S. Please feel free to share your experiences and insights!
P.P.S. Book a complimentary Clarity Session with here
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