Would you look for a book in a bike shop, or a bike in a book shop? Of course not.
Yet, in business, we often search for solutions in the wrong places – like looking for the bike in a bookstore. For instance, when two colleagues clash, we frequently misidentify the root cause, assuming the problem lies in external circumstances or conflicting agendas. What if the problem was neither of those things, but was instead a difference in perspective or thinking?
Consider the parable of the four blind men describing an elephant. Each holds a different part and offers conflicting descriptions of what an elephant is like. Each account is true as that person sees it, but not an accurate description of an elephant. This illustrates how perspective shapes our understanding of problems, and perspective is always a reflection of our thinking about we are looking at. Instead of focusing solely on the issue at hand as described from one perspective, we should first examine our perceptions or our thinking about the problem.
I recently worked with a client where two directors argued over an unbudgeted investment. One believed it could boost overall margins by 10%, while the other hesitated, arguing that it was unbudgeted and potentially a risk to margin. Through discussion, it became clear that the real concern from the hesitant director was the potential impact on their bonus earnings. Once this was addressed, the opposing director was on board with the investment.
When contention arises, the key is to explore each person’s perspective and thoughts around the problem. To do this requires listening deeply, empathetically and often patiently to allows us to uncover underlying thinking around the topic.
By understanding different viewpoints and the thinking behind these, we can better identify the real issues and thus identify potential solutions. The power of deep listening, in 1-2-1s and especially in meetings, to allow us to seek solutions in the right places, is too often underestimated in business.
Finally, this quote from Helen Schucman seems relevant here;
“All miracles involve a shift in perception.”
