Do you practice perspective-taking?

How often do you pause and deeply consider the perspective that someone else might have?

I recently enjoyed a wonderful community journalling experience with Ingrid Jones, a brilliant journalling facilitator. Ingrid's guided journaling approach works beautifully for my ADHD brain - prompts redirect me away from rumination toward productive reflection. (A tip from ADHD coach Annie Romanos that's been game-changing.)

But I digress! How unusual!

Perspective shifting

As a part of the guided journaling practice that Ingrid shared with us, we started the process by choosing an image that resonated with us from a selection on the screen. This then provided a focus point for the questions that followed.

After the brilliant 5 part journaling process is complete (you can read about this here on her website), we headed into breakout rooms to discuss various aspects of the experience, one is which is what photo did you choose at the start and at the finish and why.

Three of the four of us in my room had chosen the image with a path, a country lane, a dirt track, however, you would describe it (the image above is a representation of it).

As to be expected, this choice connected us. I felt an instant kinship with my fellow path-takers! And yet, when we shared the why behind our choices, we revealed how very different our thoughts and situations were that led to our decision.

Three different perspectives

For one of us, the worn tracks represented how much our everyday life stays the same, on repeat, until we consciously choose to turn the wheel and change direction.

For another, it illustrated how barren the road ahead can seem but if we look around there’s always evidence of growth.

And for me, it reminded me how the process of building self-leadership is actually one of mindfully stripping back the layers of conditioning that have covered our essential selves so we can come back to what is most vital, essential and natural to us so we can make new, honest choices from there.

One image. Three life experiences. Three areas of focus. Three perspectives.

Everyone sees through different eyes and lives

With empathy and curiosity, we can all learn from others when we take the time to step into their world, even just for a moment.The ability to take the perspective of another person is an important self-leadership skill that involves the use of two key principles in my five-part framework -  Flexible thinking and Emotional Dexterity.

There are many good reasons to develop this skill:

• Improved Communication: When you understand different viewpoints, you can communicate more effectively and build stronger connections with your colleagues, clients, and family, enhancing collaboration.

• Conflict Resolution: Self-leaders who take different perspectives navigate conflicts more constructively, as you’re better able to find common ground and negotiate win-win outcomes.

• Creativity and Innovation: Viewing situations from various angles helps you generate unique ideas, explore alternatives, and be more adaptable and open to change.

• Inclusivity and Diversity: When you embrace diverse perspectives, it creates spaces where all voices are more likely to be heard, respected, and involved.

• Personal Growth and Empathy: Perspective-taking cultivates your self-awareness and emotional dexterity, key self-leadership skills that enhance compassion for others.

• Enhanced Decision-Making: You’ll likely make more informed decisions when you’ve considered multiple perspectives - it also helps you develop wisdom over time.

As someone with a temperament prone to quick decisions, this is not always an easy skill for me to lean into. I've found that by consistently using self-awareness to connect with my values of curiosity, inclusiveness and empathy, I'm learning to slow down and allow the space to do so.

I'm definitely seeing the benefits.

An extra point for my fellow sparky-brained businesswomen, perspective-taking requires intentional slowing down - which doesn't tend to come naturally. Our brains jump to conclusions, connect dots rapidly, and want to move fast. But that speed can mean we miss nuance, assume others see what we see, or dismiss perspectives that don't immediately resonate. The practice of pausing to consider "how might they be experiencing this?" is an important counterbalance to our quick-decision wiring. It’s a practice…

Maintaining your own path

It is important to be aware that whilst a Self-leader is open to these growth opportunities, it is equally important not to be taken off your own path by the perspectives of others.

We need to strike a balance between being open and responsive to new ideas and information and practising discernment.

In the past, before being grounded in Self-leadership, I tended to outsource my authority, allowing others to overly influence my decisions. This can happen when you lack your own clear and inspiring vision and find yourself adopting goals from those around you.

I believe the richness of life is best experienced when we are anchored by our own vision and values, with an open heart and mind to what we can learn from those around us. This is the orientation of a Self-leader.

Perspective-taking is just one of the self-leadership skills that shifts how you show up in business and life.

Who and what will you notice, appreciate and learn from today in your own journey?

Curious where you are on your self-leadership journey?, you can take the assessment here.