Monday, October 5, 2020

Difference of perspective

What you say is not what other people hear you say. What you hear other people say is not what they intend to say.

Everyone has various lenses, filters, biases, and perspectives through which they experience life. It’s an aid to understanding to keep that in mind.

Before you dismiss anyone as an idiot or praise anyone as a genius, catch yourself. Use your intellect and energy to more fully understand the content rather than to prematurely label its source.

You cannot remove yourself from your own perspective. You can, however, remind yourself that it’s always there.

If possible, in your own words repeat back what you heard, and ask if you understood correctly. Seek to clarify and better understand before you make any judgment.

Words have precise meanings, yet life experience and context can significantly expand and even alter those meanings. Speak clearly, listen carefully, then go as far as possible beyond the words to foster true and helpful understanding.

— Ralph Marston

Venture forward       Do what you can

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