Everyone views the world uniquely.
What you see may be invisible to me, and we all have blind spots. These blind spots can cause misunderstandings between people.
Leaders may make wrong decisions due to blind spots without knowing why. Blind spots occur when there is a failure to listen or misinterpreting others. However, our understanding can be improved.
“The first principle is that you must not fool yourself—and you are the easiest person to fool. Self-deception is the most seductive trap. In a world full of noise, being honest with yourself is your superpower. Challenge your own narratives, and you’ll unlock doors to growth and authenticity.” – Richard Feynman
There was a coworker who admitted she was doing something wrong. She was focused on demonstrating why she was right, which prevented her from considering a colleague's perspective. She made no effort to see through the colleague’s eyes.
After realizing her mistake, she began reflecting back to the colleague what she heard.
“This is what I heard you say.”
Then she would ask,
“What did I miss?”
She showed vulnerability and being open to correction. After her colleague's response was clarified, she gained a better understanding of the colleague’s point of view.
Stopping after the first question may fail to dig deep enough into the colleague’s perspective. When the colleague was done further explaining, she followed up her first questions with a second question,
“What else did I miss?”
This allowed the colleague to provide additional details. After asking the second question and listening to the response, she began to see things through the other person’s eyes. If she thought there was more, then she would ask a third question.
“Is there anything else?”
Listening more and talking less, provided the coworker a deeper understanding of the colleague’s perspective.
New or clearer information can spot flaws or confirm the perspective of another, leading to better understanding and decision making.
The coworker’s approach fostered an environment of mutual trust and respect, encouraging open communication and collaboration. By validating the colleague's feelings and thoughts, she not only improved their working relationship but also enhanced the overall team dynamics. Such active listening techniques are crucial in any professional setting, as they promote a culture where every voice is heard and valued.
Ignoring or failing to listen restricts our ability to make wise decisions. Without insight into our blind spots, we spin our wheels. Connecting with others broadens our perspective, allowing leaders to better address core issues more effectively.
To broadening your vision,
Wes Legg
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