When we are stuck in how right we are, we lose the ability to mature. We fail to see the other’s point of view. Think of it this way; the more we can understand anyone’s point of view the better understanding we gain of the world around us, which is fueled by different people. The more we understand different people, the more effective we can be in bridging the gap between differences. In business this can build bridges between departments. This can win over difficult clients, close difficult customers, and accomplish difficult missions with difficult people. People stop being “difficult” when we ‘get them’.
“Sometimes being more understanding is more important than being right. Sometimes we need not a brilliant mind that speaks but a patient heart that listens. Not keen eyes that always see faults but open arms that accept. Not a finger that points out mistakes but gentle hands that lead!” – anonymous.
Alternatively, we may think “they are stupid, belligerent or simply do not care”. This may be true; however, it’s an easy way to dismiss someone and a lazy way to lead them. It fuels our ego that we have to deal with all these malcontents and idiots. It gives us a free pass from thinking ourselves, from engaging in discussion and rooting out the underlying cause of any miscommunication.
When we take the time to ferret out another’s point of view, even if we don’t agree, then we make an investment in our own education. We have the opportunity to educate ourselves about how others think, what makes them tick and how we can get the best out of them! This is valuable when we have a lot to accomplish, when we need to bring people together for a common goal and when our mission is larger than we are!
It also helps us develop our humanity, our leadership and our own internal wisdom.