Written by Dave Clare - The Guru Dev
[Contributing Author]

The other day I took, what I felt, was a berating from a colleague.  They had their mind made up as to what they were seeing and let me have it.  All in a professional niceness and mature way to their credit, but nonetheless a one sided “The way I see it…” speech.

In my profession I am constantly challenging people to look at things from different perspectives... to look at it from all sides before casting judgment, seeking blame, or arguing adamantly.

Look at the Starbucks Coffee cup.

If you saw the words and no logo you would argue that it is a plain white cup and that there is no brand associated with the cup.  You would also say there is a powerful saying on it.

Someone looking from the other side would agree that it is a plain white cup, but would argue there is no powerful saying/quote and insist it is a Starbucks Coffee Cup.

You both would be right, but could easily argue each others side. Until you either turn the cup or shift seats, you would be correct in your assumptions and arguments.

“Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open.”
Thomas R. Dewar

The first step is to open your mind to accepting or embracing the possibility that there is another side, that you aren't seeing all there is. This will then allow your open mind to see something different. If you aren't willing to do the first step, please stop reading. It won't matter what I say next! LOL!

Secondly, actually begin to move (mentally) or shift your thinking to see what the other perspective is, even if it is something that could or does conflict with your original belief of what is the "truth" as you actually see it or perceive it to be. Ask open ended questions to discover the other perspective.  Then get up, sit on the other side of the table, and willingly look at the other side of the cup! You will see a Starbucks Coffee logo!

Now, once you can see from the other side, you can make better decisions, give more meaningful feedback, and come up with more win win solutions and so on. Arguments can become constructive... can open conversations... and develop third dimension solutions along new learning for each of you. Synergies can be powerful… after all 1 + 1 = 3 or more.

In most cases we are all talking about the same thing, we just want to have someone agree with our way, reaffirm we are right or bully them into it if they won’t willingly submit. This doesn’t build people or empower success; it just creates disharmony, angst and resentment… not really cool is it?

Please accept that there is more than one “truth”.  There is the truth as we see it and believe it to be, and there is the other persons “truth.”  Somewhere in the middle... is a coffee cup. 

Dave Clare, The Guru Dev - The humorously self-proclaimed M.B.A (Masters in Behavior and Attitude!)  Dave has studied and developed experience in personal growth, goal setting, training, and organizational development.  He has worked with many organizations in developing effective processes that produce measurable results.  He personally has facilitated two "World Clients of the Year" and one "Canadian Client of the Year!"  Pay him a visit at TheGuruDev to read more of his great ideas!


Describe a situation, in your life or your sales career, where it might have been a good idea to look at things from "the other perspective."