Understanding someone else's perspective

Henry Ford said this about success, "If there is any one secret of success, it lies in the ability to get the other person's point of view and see things from that person's angle as well as from your own". There may indeed be something in that. Our perspective on anything is coloured by our beliefs, values and experience. It is also very much influenced by the way in which we see something. For instance as a very simple example, if I have a large piece of paper and I hold it up so that you can see one side and someone else can see the other. I have painted the paper different colours on each side. What you see is a red piece of paper, what they see is a green piece of paper. You are both adamant that you are correct in identifying the colour of the piece of paper. In fact neither of you are entirely right, but both are in part.If you alter the position from which you view the paper you can suddenly understand why the other person had a very different perspective to your own. This very simple visual example can often be applied to everyday situations in which you find yourself with a very different point of view to somebody else. By understanding what fuels the other person's perspective you are in a much stronger position to have a more complete view of the subject in hand. You may ultimately maintain your original perspective, but more likely you will modify it in some way to encompass the new and additional information. More often than not this will lead you to a more successful outcome if you are working on an idea or a project. It will also in most cases lead to more harmony with your friends or colleagues. Exploring other perspectives therefore should be a fulfilling exercise which can make you stronger and more successful and make you more empathetic and understanding of others.