Common Management Error (121)
Cxxi) Handling Different Perspectives

Introduction
Even though the below quote is aimed at leaders, it can apply to everybody!!!
"... It can be easy for leaders to only see what they want to see or hear what they want to hear. Leaders can sidestep issues because it feels too hard. Leaders can apply one set of standards to themselves and another to those around them. They can fail to see how their experience of power has clouded how they think and act. They can stop listening or only listen to people they assess as important and relevant..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2024
Furthermore,
"...we think we are rational and objective. We're not. We make decisions based on hunches, feelings, assumptions and gut reactions, which are formed from our past experiences. Research shows our brain discards information that doesn't fit with its worldview. It takes shortcuts when making decisions and can be easily influenced. Leaders need to go beyond what's obvious and easy to make wise decisions. They need to be willing to challenge the assumptions and expectations underpinning the lens used to view the situation..."
Michelle Gibbings, 2024
We need to realise we live in a
"...pluralistic world where our perspective, our vantage point can be extremely limited and very different from those who we are interacting with..."
Tsedal Neeley as quoted by Michelle Gibbings, 2024
It can be challenging to be receptive to different ideas and hearing opinions that you disagree with. Your brain prefers to work with what is familiar.
Furthermore it's too easy to outsource it to consultants, delegate or hope it will disappear!!!!
You need to have people around you who you trust and who are willing to challenge your perspective and encourage you to think differently.
You need to learn to respond rather than react!!!!
If you are in a situation where you are rejecting a new idea or perspective, ask yourself the following questions"
i) Are you rejecting the person or the idea?
ii) If the idea was presented by someone else, would you hear the message differently?
If the answer is 'person' to question i) and yes to question ii) you need to revisit the idea.