Do you consider the other person’s viewpoint?
The other day a few people at the local workout place were chatting about a person who had recently passed on.
“He had good run.” They were all in agreement.
“He had a good life.” They all nodded.
“Pretty old at 75, can’t complain about that.”
One older gentleman passing by this group said, “Hey guys, from your viewpoint sure, maybe so, I’m 74 and I’m not ready to go yet. I’d like a bit more of a run if it’s all right with you.”
He chuckled, smiling and kept on walking by.
This had me thinking – even though I lost my younger brother when he was 30 years old and still don’t understand how – it’s all about where you are and how you see things.
How you see things is based upon how you were raised and brought up as a baby and into your youth. What were your surroundings like, the conversations you heard, the habits you formed and the education you received both from life and from school? Who were you spending most of your time with and what influence did they have on you?
Now when you are having a conversation with another person do you have any idea about any of these things for them?
It’s a good chance you don’t. The same goes for them as they size you up and down.
However, it’s also a good chance you are both making a few assumptions based upon what you are seeing, any past interactions you may have had with each other and things you may have heard others say about each other. The accuracy of any of these items is not very high on the list in terms of really understanding each others viewpoints on anything.
The best way to know what another person’s viewpoint may be is to ask them directly in a calm conversational tone. If you are both engaged in an honest, open and respectful conversation, and you are open to listening, hopefully you’ll hear their viewpoint.
Do you even remember the last time you had a conversation with someone like this – with the intention of learning their viewpoint and understanding where they are coming from?
The communication tools used today are mostly emailing, texting, emoji exchanging among other methods… which are all mostly one way street volleys until the other person responds one way back.
Not much is going on in terms of a real meaningful conversation.
Conversations like these are happening less and less.
Which is unfortunate as being able to have a real meaningful conversation is a skill. Like any other skill we have to practice to get good at it. We then have to continue to do it to become better at it.
Imagine someone growing up who actually never had a real meaningful conversation in their lives.
How will they ever learn to have one?
Wenkroy International LLC is a boutique consulting company with a main purpose of helping entrepreneurs and business people create the strategy, the plan and the steps necessary to achieve that person’s vision for their business and often their life, while navigating the obstacles which may be blocking them from reaching their goals. The process may involve one on one coaching, advising, laser focus days, personal growth workshops and more. The process is utilized for individuals, teams, divisions and across entire companies. People are now able to focus on what matters most to them, because, they have clarity on where they are heading.
You may be interested to know:
Do you know I’m interviewing stroke survivors, their spouse or partner as well? The purpose is to compile these stories in order to share the information with others. The stories will inspire others, help them with tips for handling what they are going through now and what they may face in the future. It may even become a go to resource for stroke survivors and their families. Here’s the link if that’s you or pass on to someone you know.
https://mitchtublin.com/survivors
