A Perspective on Perceived Perception

 

This is a post I wrote last year, shared with my team/organization. I was reminded of it, and thought to share here ....

I had a discussion recently whereas I was asked an obscure question related to perspective.

This discussion sparked a couple thoughts ... 

Perceive(v) - 1) Become aware or conscious of (something); come to realize or understand. 2) Interpret or look on (someone or something) in a particular way

Perception(n) - 1) The ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses

Perspective(n) - 1) The art of drawing solid objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other when viewed from a particular point. 2) A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view

We tend to create stories. We create stories to help us fill the gaps [in the facts]; in a scenario, in a story, in a perceived understanding. More facts [less gaps], less filler [stories]

I took my son Colin for a run in the jogging stroller. Our run is along the Schuylkill River. Its a 3 mile stretch of a dirt path that is right on the river bank. Along the way are three small bridges. Colin loves going over these bridges. On the return trip we cross the very same bridges. Coming from a different direction, the bridges are different - perception and perspective. And even in comparison to what I see versus what Colin see's, the bridge is different - perception . I'm taller, have different experiences to relate what I'm seeing too - perspective!

This comes to light often in our daily [work] lives too. I learned a valuable piece of advice from a former manager, former employer. That was to not be hesitant to validate all are speaking in terms of a single understanding. That means, not every group [individual] may have the same terminology or definitions. The perception given is one of alignment (that's another discussion!), from both sides, but what one perceives to be the truth, may not be such when looked from the other [different] perspective.

Continue to have discussions, ask questions, and listen - from different POV's

Have Fun!

Drew