by Rich Schiffer, Weichert Realtors
WANTED: Fresh Perspective. Apply Within. That tag line is not likely to be seen in any classified ad anytime soon, though maybe it should, more often. It is rare that someone admits they need a fresh perspective. From the man on the street to the politicians in D.C., and from the person that punches a time clock to the person who owns the company, everyone has their own perspective on the world -- their own definition of what is important, as seen through their eyes.
Billions of different perspectives, all valid views.
I have never met someone who said, "I have the wrong view of this situation." I doubt I will ever hear it, either.
I recently attended a meeting of a local community's Historical Commission. They are charged with advising the municipal government on what buildings are of historical value to the community, and ought to be protected and preserved for the betterment of the community as a whole. A discussion developed regarding how the commission could partner with existing community organizations and individuals to further enhance the appeal of the community to homeowners considering moving to the area.
There were many views expressed, each by individuals seeking the same goal, but each view was different.
I was reminded of the analogy of the blind men who do not know what an elephant is, trying to describing one. Each one is feeling only a part of the elephant. (Leg, Tusk, Tail, Trunk) Each one thinks that an "elephant" is something different. (Tree, Spear, Rope, Snake). Their Perception, or Point of View, became the basis for their definition of the world around them. Each one had a valid perception. None of them had a complete understanding however.
In this series of articles, and the discussions that will likely follow, I would like to focus on ways to expand our own perception of the world around us, our understanding of other peoples' perceptions, and how we can develop relationships that are built on greater understanding and thereby have greater meaning, and greater effectiveness.
In a series of articles I will address several relationship building topics:
- Part 1: Who Do They Think I Am? (What's the public's perception?)
- Part 2: Who Do I Think They Are? (How do I treat those I interact with?)
- Part 3: Who Do I Think I Am? (Be honest with yourself)
- Part 4: How Do I Want to be known? (What is my "Mission Statement")
- Part 5: What Do I Know and What Do I Not Know? (Assesment of Strengths and Weaknesses)
- Part 6: What Do I Not Know That I Don't Know? (Thinking "Outside the Box")
Rich Schiffer, REALTOR, e-PRO
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Rich.... wow...okay, I am the first to comment. This is interesting. I liked your analogy of the blind men and the elephant. And if I ever do hear a politician admit something that they did was wrong, I think I would fall over and have a heart attack...
And it is so true, the different views that one might have and how it could affect a certain outcome of a situation. Looking forward to your series of blogs.