Perspective Skills
Something I really valued from the Inner Development Goals growth path is the section on Perspective Skills. I think with living in such divided country, being in America, it is hard to see others perspectives sometimes. Of course, I don't think we have to agree with people that don't share our same thoughts and beliefs but who's to say that it isn't important to share and learn from others? I think it is important to healthily debate with one another and have discussions. It is how we grow as people and as a society.
How can we practice perspective skills?
1. Active Listening: Listening to understand the other person's point and perspective. Reflecting what they are saying back to them. Asking genuine and thoughtful questions about their side.
2. Open-mindedness: With active listening, as well as broadening your perspective, you need to have an open mind. Don't be so rigid in your opinions and be willing to listen to others and their perspectives. You may learn something new! Approach conversations with an open mind and a willingness to learn.
3. Branch Out: Don't stay in your bubble with people like minded. Talk to people you wouldn't normally approach. Read about subjects you wouldn't typically gravitate towards too. Talking with people that think the same as us and reading things that we already agree with is okay to some degree, but to only live this way is going to keep you stagnant. Branch out socially and intellectually!
What are some other ways you can practice broadening your perspective? What are aspects of a respectful vs disrespectful debate/discussion?
@sierrarain03 great post ❤ thankyou ❤❤
I think listening and keeping a open mind is definitely how we learn and grow ❤ to keep debates respectful, is to hear everyone out, becarful with what words we choose to say. And step away if needed
@Tinywhisper11 Thank you for your contribution to this post! And those are some great tips so thank you for sharing! It is always good to keep debates respectful! :)
@sierrarain03
What are some other ways you can practice broadening your perspective? What are aspects of a respectful vs disrespectful debate/discussion?
Being empathetic, understanding the emotions of the other person, asking questions to make one feel heard.
Respectful debate/discussion: not interrupting when one is speaking
Disrespectful debate/discussion: arguing, interrupting and not giving one a chance to speak.
@Admirablerainbow2825 Thank you for your contribution to this post! I think what I see a lot in disrespectful debates is neither side actually listens to each other and often interrupts, talks over, or yells at one another. I am glad that you had that in a part of your discussion as an answer! :)
@sierrarain03
You're welcome
@sierrarain03
What are some other ways you can practice broadening your perspective? What are aspects of a respectful vs disrespectful debate/discussion?
I think one of the most important and best ways to practice broadening our perspectives is learning about diverse cultures and understandings through books, essays, research, and other forms of learning. Furthermore, it is crucial to have open and honest conversations about people who we may not agree with. When we go into a debate and discussion willing to learn, it does not mean we have to agree with what someone says but rather gives a different perspective. It is also crucial that during this process we question our own morals and values. Sometimes we outgrow certain things and do not even realize until we question how we are living our own lives. Aspects of a respectful debate just means in my opinion, listening, hearing, and learning when to agree to disagree. It is important to leave these conversations knowing that healthy debate is helpful but it should never get to a point where it is rude or uncalled for.
@globalWillow3000 Thank you so much for your contribution to this post! You have wonderful insight. You also have great points on what a debate should look like! You would think it is common sense but it is quite the opposite so it is great knowledge to have. :) Additionally, I think that doing all those things to broaden your perspective is great for learning and understanding diverse cultures. But one of the best things you can do is interact with people of diverse cultures and go to events if you are able to! :)
I love attending local events and chatting with friends from different backgrounds. It’s amazing how much you can learn from simple conversations! 😊
@CharisB21 I agree! You can learn so much from being with people that have difference backgrounds from you! Also sometimes being with people that have different values or cultural backgrounds from you can foster a friendship or growth in academic and emotional intelligence, as well as once in a lifetime connection. Thank you for your contribution to this post! :)
