Imagine unlocking hidden opportunities in business simply by seeing things differently – what if the key to your next big success could be a shift in perspective?
We all know that the ability to adapt is crucial in business, never more so than now. But adapting is not just about changing what we do or how we do it. It’s also about changing the way we think.
Sometimes we can find ourselves stuck in the same way of thinking and it can be hard to recognise in ourselves.
One of the hardest parts of changing our thinking is when it comes to our point of view.
You know those times when someone is sharing something with you and it’s completely different from your point of view so you stop listening, just getting ready to butt in with your own views, without actually taking any time or discussion to hear the other person’s perspective.
We all have our points of view. They’re often deeply embedded and inherited from some time in our early childhood. They can be difficult to change because our perception has become our reality, how we see things in the world.
Do you find it easy to change your point of view?
If you’ve been experiencing a string of business crises do you blame this on your team, suppliers, customers, or cheap imports and just carry on doggedly down the same path?
Or can you change your point of view and see each crisis perhaps as a lesson you can learn from so that you can develop more as a leader, for example, or build a stronger team?
There are always two opposite points of view
There are always two opposite points of view and it can be easy to ignore that which does not fit with our own. We see this in wars when neither side will consider listening to the other’s point of view but is just hell-bent on destroying the other side that does not agree with their own point of view.
If I hold my notebook up to you, I see the words “Daily Planner” on the cover facing me. But you don’t see those words on the cover facing you.
We can argue a bit about what we see or don’t see on the cover. Or I could walk around and stand beside you to see the book from your perspective.
And I see there are no words on the cover. Now I understand your point of view!
The benefits of shifting perspective
Being willing to shift our perspective – our point of view – can strengthen our relationships with customers and employees. By understanding their needs and concerns from their point of view, we can create more meaningful connections and build loyalty. We can serve our customers better and help create a great environment for our people.
Changing our point of view also fosters innovation. When we look at a problem from a different angle, we may discover new solutions that weren’t initially apparent. This creative approach can lead to breakthroughs that set our business apart. Moreover, encouraging and welcoming diverse perspectives within our team encourages a culture of innovation, where everyone feels empowered to contribute ideas.
Don’t be afraid to challenge your assumptions—your business’s future may depend on it.
Three ways to help shift your perspective
Here are 3 easy ways to help shift perspective:
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Actively seek diverse opinions
Be open to taking the time regularly to engage with people who have different viewpoints, whether through networking, reading from diverse sources, or simply asking for feedback from your team. Listening to others’ perspectives can help us see things in a new light and challenge our own assumptions.
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Change your environment
Sometimes, a simple change in our surroundings can spark fresh ideas. Take a walk, work from a different location, or rearrange your workspace. A new environment can help you break out of routine thinking and approach problems from a different angle.
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Ask “What if -?”
Black-and-white thinking can keep us stuck.
When you find yourself stuck in your point of view, ask “What if – there is a different perspective here?” What if this [issue] is an opportunity rather than a threat? Positive rather than negative? And so on. Asking “What if – ?” is a super powerful way to change your thinking.
I hope this article is useful. If you’d like to discuss, please do get in touch. I’d love to hear from you!
