You Don't Have the Full Picture - The Limitations of Your Perspective

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We all operate within the boundaries of our perspective. It informs what we believe to be true, what is possible, and where to look for solutions to our challenges. The problem is that there are limitations to your perspective. Information and advice outside of our view is discounted or disbelieved, to the determinant of our relationships and results.

This problem becomes more acute the higher leaders move in an organization. Not only are there limitations of perspective, but they have become successful responding based on their perspective, proving to them that they are correct. Unfortunately, the higher leaders progress in their careers, the more perspectives they need. And too often, the less they seek them out.

This reminds me of the parable of the blind men and the elephant. If you are unfamiliar, a group of blind men encounter an elephant. All try to determine what the beast is like, and based on what part of the elephant they feel, they determine what the elephant is like.

If all you know about the elephant is the tail, you think differently than if you felt the tusk, the side, or the leg. Each man thought he was correct, based on his perspective. Each one had a valuable and informed perspective – none of them have the current or complete perspective, though.?

Read that last sentence again and compare it to what you hear in a meeting or across a team. Maybe there is something to the idea of there being “an elephant in the room.”

When we have a more complete perspective we can:

• Make better decisions.
• Build stronger relationships.
• Build higher levels of trust.

If you want to remove the limitations of your perspective, you must take these steps:

• Be aware. Regardless of how smart we are and how hard we work to be observant, we can’t see or know everything. When we are aware of the limitations of our perspective, we take the first step toward expanding it.
• Make it a priority. Decide you want to expand your perspective so you can see and understand more.
• Look closer. Sometimes we need to look at things more closely and get into the details. That perspective will often serve us and help us avoid unintended consequences.
• Lift your head. The opposite of looking closer is to lift your head and see the big picture. The birds see things differently from their view in the sky than we see on the ground. Make sure you are surveying broadly.
• Consume broadly. Read, listen, and watch more broadly. When you have more input, your perspective is stretched.
• Be open-minded. When you get new information, don’t immediately discard it if it doesn’t match your worldview. Be more curious.
• Ask others. Try to see what they see. And not just those who you think agree with you, but those who will see something different than you.
• Listen. When you ask (and when you don’t), listen to what people are saying to you. See the world through their eyes and perspective.

And while taking these steps personally is fantastic, we can include these ideas in training and coaching for leaders – helping them overcome their limited perspectives.

It’s Your Turn

Please share your experiences - and challenges – in expanding your perspective in the comments – they will all help everyone else who reads these suggestions.

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I’m hosting a special LinkedIn Live on July 20.? If you have responsibility for leadership development, or business results in your organization, you need to join us.? Register and learn more here.

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A version of this article first appeared on our blog.

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