
PERSPECTIVE
The ability to consider situations through the eyes or lens of others.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Ideas, perspectives and strategies don't come from raw intelligence or creativity. They come from a prepared mind, one broadened by lots of varied but disconnected experiences, exposures and interests. The people with the broadest perspectives usually have a larger pool of life experiences to draw from and more chances to make unusual connections to new ideas, cultures, events, etc.
The beginning of wisdom is this: Get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding.Proverbs 4:7
Skilled Characteristics
Broad View
Looks toward the broadest possible view of an issue/challenge
Well Rounded
Has broad-ranging personal and work interests and pursuits
Visionary
Can easily envision future situations or scenarios
Global
Can think globally – recognizing interconnected impacts and opportunities
Open-Minded
Can discuss multiple aspects and impacts of issues and project them into the future
“Life is easier than you think; all that is necessary is to accept the impossible, do without the indispensable, and bear the intolerable.”
– Kathleen Norris
Unskilled Characteristics
Closed/Narrow
Is narrow minded – has narrow views of issues and challenges
Singular
Uses only one or a few lenses to view problems and opportunities
Too Focused
Does not have far ranging interests – not well-read
Non-Analytical
Is not good at considering ‘what if’ scenarios
Present-Focused
Lacks interest in the ‘maybes’ of life and the future – is not a good strategist or visionary
Does Not Plan
A here-and-now person who is often surprised by unexpected change
Specialist
May be a person with one main area of functional expertise or technical skill
How do you make sure that all sides and perspectives of a situation are being considered before making a decision?
Causes of Weakness
Risk Averse
Is uncomfortable taking risks
Background
Comes from a background that has provided only limited life experiences and perspectives
Detailed
Focused only on the detailed tasks before oneself – but not on the bigger picture
Comfort
Desires to only think about and do things that are easy and comfortable – but not to challenge one’s own thinking or ways of doing things
Who do you welcome into your life to challenge and expand your thoughts and perspectives?
Advice
Review the simple application steps below and choose 1 or 2 things you can do to spur yourself on to further growth.
Be Creative
BE CREATIVE: Gather people together who have little or nothing in common, and who know little about the issue at hand. Their differences of perspective and experience will likely help to create more creative ideas and solutions.
Read and Learn
READ AND LEARN: Read things you don’t normally read: history books, newspapers and magazines, international publications like the Economist, autobiographies of famous people. Learn about the history of a country. Learn a new language, which opens your eyes to learning about different cultures.
Travel
TRAVEL: Go on an adventure to somewhere you’ve never been, and to a culture that is unique to you. Go to ethnic events/celebrations in your community.
Eat
EAT: Eat at different restaurants representing foods from all over the world.
Volunteer
VOLUNTEER: Volunteer your time to work with/for people you normally wouldn’t be around.
Task Force
TASK FORCE: Join a short-term team or committee to tackle a special project or event.
Assumptions
ASSUMPTIONS: Challenge your assumptions. Allow yourself permission to question what you think, believe or assume about anything and everything. Ask questions of others to determine what they think and believe. Prayerfully consider other’s thoughts and beliefs and be willing to change or expand yours.