Often, while we are trying to circumvent some obstacle that is preventing us from moving forward effectively, we find ourselves stuck in some view of a situation that is keeping us there. There is one very valuable coaching tool that can be used … that of viewing the matter through various perspectives. How would superman or wonder woman deal with the challenge? If locked in a dark closet how does the issue look and feel now? How would your boss or your best friend view and deal with the problem? You get the idea I’m sure.
I was recently introduced to an app that allows me to take my regular photo … shown above … and alter it to provide various ‘painted’ looks And whereas I’ve had fun playing with it I have come to realize that this, too, allows me to view myself in different ways. In so doing I get to view any situation that I’m trying to alter or move through with different eyes or perspectives. Let me provide an example.
Presume that I have thoughts that I believe could improve the approach being used to achieve a goal of the company or department in which I work. Let’s pretend that even though I think my ideas are good and of potential value, my normal personality renders me to be quiet and defer to those with louder voices and a willingness to just ‘put it out there’. So I recognize that I need a different perspective of myself that might allow me to become more vocal for my own good and the good of the organization. Here are some perspective changing photo versions of me that answer the question of how ‘this’ person would handle the same situation:
This is the BOLD and colorful me. This person is confident in his thoughts and ideas to the extent that he is willing to express them quickly and loudly to others. He has nothing to lose and may find great reception to the ideas he presents.
This is the CONTEMPLATIVE and reserved me. He is a good listener … open to hearing and understanding what others have to say of a given situation. He asks questions to clarify his understanding. THEN … confident that he knows where others stand, he offers his ideas that may reinforce aspects of what others have said and suggest variations that he believes will make the difference.
Here is the CONFIDENT and COMFORTABLE me. He knows how he views this. He is willing to listen to the ideas of others and still believes there is great value to presenting his perspective of the situation … for the goodof the organization. He sees himself as both a good listener and spokesperson.
Here is the IN YOUR FACE me. Brash and combative, he is so determined to make his point and be heard that he appears insensitive to opinions of others. In fact, he is often the first one to speak his mind and is so pleased with himself that he fails to really listen and hear what others have to offer. Team player he is not.
In doing perspective work we have given ourselves the opportunity to see the stumbling block differently … and then we get to choose how we want to proceed by drawing upon any of the traits our ‘other’ persona offer. As for my example above, the way I choose to move forward is to incorporate the traits of the CONFIDENT and COMFORTABLE me seasoned with the desire to clarify my understanding as a trait of the CONTEMPLATIVE me.
There is no right or wrong. Viewing any decisions we have in front of us through various perspectives is a very effective way to create the move-forward path that you believe will best work for you. Whether you step into the shoes of the Incredible Hulk or the Flying Nun to gain different views makes no difference. Doing it does truly provide a breakthrough leading to effective action. Try it! You may really like it!
Mike Dorman
