Exploring The Power of Perspectives

As adults, we take on various roles, both in our personal lives and at work. Our understanding of these roles is shaped by expectations about behavior. For example, we hold a mental model of what makes an "ideal colleague" and evaluate others based on how well they align with that concept—sometimes favorably, sometimes not. Another example, one I question I usually ask during job interview is- describe yourself or what piqued your interest in joining us and other similar queries.

In his book- Nausea, Sartre delves into the idea that life lacks inherent meaning, and humans create narratives to make sense of their existence. The stories we craft about ourselves and the roles we play are part of this constructed understanding.

But narratives can constrain our potential.

Let me take you back to the question I generally ask in job interviews- describe yourself. My intention is to hear people's narrative to dive into people's perspectives. It is because narratives have inherent limitations. To recognize the limitations of narratives, we must remember that they exist only in the minds of individuals. The stories we tell ourselves are not out there in the world; they are tools we use to make sense of our experiences. While narratives may be tied to facts or real events, they themselves are neither fact nor fiction. They are subjective interpretations.?

If we were to abandon the power of narratives to structure our experiences, we would need another way to organize our thoughts about the world.

This is where perspectives come in. A "perspective" is more than just a point of view; it is the way we engage with the world from a specific position or orientation. In the book- The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat, I recall Oliver Sacks, the renowned neurologist, describing patients whose brain functions caused them to fixate on certain aspects of reality while losing sight of the bigger picture. This illustrates how, much like a neurological filter, our mental frameworks guide what we perceive as important, shaping the stories we craft about ourselves and the world around us.

In this way, perspectives shape the narratives we adopt. Our core beliefs and values influence how we interpret our experiences and decide what is important. These perspectives explain why people can have vastly different narratives, even when they share the same experiences. But once we understand the perspectives that shape these stories, we can see how fluid and adaptable our narratives can truly be.

A scenario to delve into:

Candidate 1:

Candidate 1 Narrative: The person responds with a story about a project where he had to manage a team with conflicting priorities.

He shares: “I was leading a project to launch a new product, but halfway through, the marketing team wanted to shift focus based on new market research. It created a lot of tension because the development team was already deep into their work. I facilitated a meeting where everyone could voice their concerns and priorities. By encouraging open communication, we found a compromise that allowed us to incorporate key marketing insights while keeping the project on track.”

Unpacking his Perspective:

Focus on Collaboration: His narrative emphasizes his belief in collaboration and communication. His approach to resolving conflict reflects a value placed on teamwork and inclusivity.

Adaptability: By showcasing his ability to adapt to changing circumstances, he highlights a perspective that values flexibility in project management, suggesting he’s open to new ideas and feedback.

Candidate 2:

Candidate 2 Narrative: He answers the same question with a different story about a project that fell behind schedule due to unforeseen technical issues.

He states: “I was responsible for a critical software rollout, and we encountered significant bugs just before the launch. Instead of panicking, I organized a rapid response team to troubleshoot the issues. We worked long hours to ensure we met the deadline. It was stressful, but we ultimately delivered on time, and the client was pleased.”

Unpacking his Perspective:

Emphasis on Responsibility: His narrative reflects a strong sense of responsibility and determination. He values meeting deadlines and client expectations, which indicates a results-oriented mindset.

Crisis Management: His focus on troubleshooting and quick decision-making suggests that he thrives under pressure, indicating a perspective that prioritizes problem-solving and resilience in challenging situations.

The Importance of Simple Narratives

Through their answers, both candidates provide simple yet rich narratives that reveal their individual perspectives on project management:

Understanding Strengths and Values: The hiring manager, gains insights into candidates' collaborative approach and adaptability, as well as his determination and crisis management skills. These narratives help hiring manager assess which candidate’s values align better with the company culture and the needs of the team.

Conclusion: This example illustrates how answers to a job interview question can serve as narratives that provide deeper insights into candidates' perspectives. By sharing their experiences, candidates reveal their values, strengths, and approaches to challenges, allowing the interviewer to make a more informed decision about fit within the team. This process not only aids in hiring but also fosters a better understanding of individual differences in work style and priorities.