When we encounter someone with a different perspective than us it can be frustrating. I find it’s more frustrating if their perspective is from a totally different angle on multiple axis.

This image has four perspectives of the same scene. If my perspective is the first and largest one above, I’m going to be even more annoyed or challenged by perspectives in the bottom left and bottom right corners. The bottom center image might no be as irritating but actually might be appreciated. In it i see a little more about the image in background and what’s on top of the wood.

Often this is true with interacting with people. We appreciate a perspective that is slightly different than our own but are frustrated by those very different than our own.

I believe awareness and appreciation is key to solving this tension.

We first must be aware that our perspective is unique and acknowledge that perspective. (Side note: we must also be aware of our life theme and or purpose and check if our perspective aligns with who we hope to be)

Then we must listen well enough to understand another’s perspective and truly appreciate it. That doesn’t mean we agree with it but we must honor it as their perspective. Sometimes we can take on their perspective and in tern become better ourselves (Side note: if you find their perspective aligns with your life them). Sometimes we can invite the other to take on our perspective

At times, we must simply recognize their perspective is dramatically different and change our expectations for mutual contribution. We must realize we will stay the course of our perspective and not expect them to change theirs.

I anticipate adopting this attitude will help me find more creative ways to engage with people of different perspectives and be less frustrated when a request which seems obtuse to me comes up, I hear an opinion I disagree with, expect someone to contribute in a specific way and they fall short. I will be more willing to take on their perspective, be more adept to help them take on my perspective, or simply change expectations as we go forward.

If you have suggestions for working with people of different perspectives, please let me know! I’m hoping to grow here.