One of the biggest issues we all struggle with in our relationships at work is the problem of differing opinions. One person responds to a tight deadline set for the team by skipping lunches and working late. Another team member responds to the stress by collaborating more with other coworkers. A third thrives under the pressure and is annoyed by the second’s response because they seem to be wasting time talking to everyone.
None of these perspectives is wrong; they’re a product of each individual’s personality and experience. However, when we come face to face with an opinion that is different than ours, often we try to change it. We wear people down until they agree with our point of view. The problem is, when we don’t respect their perspective or seek to understand their point of view, we make them feel like they don’t matter.
Every person has a different point of view that stems from a different perspective. Because of personal experiences, their outlook is unique. For example, a man standing behind an elephant describes it differently than a man standing in front. The two have very different perspectives. They could both adamantly debate that their point of view is right, but actually both are accurate. Neither perspective on its own, however, is complete.
If you’re standing behind an elephant while someone describes an animal with a large trunk and two floppy ears, it can be confusing, given your perspective. Pride says “I know what an elephant looks like. You’re wrong.” Humility says “Tell me what you see.” We need to patiently work at understanding each other’s perspective. This doesn’t mean that you have to agree with everyone else’s opinion. You can confidently communicate your perspective while humbly seeking to understand someone else’s view.
Our goal in life is not to have everyone adopt all of our opinions. Even if our goal is unity, this doesn’t always mean we’ll be of the same opinion.
It’s not important that everyone agrees with what you think. Your team members may have a different opinion about how to meet tight deadlines. That’s okay; you can reach a win-win situation after some respectful discussion. What unites you is that you both want the same thing. You have the same goal, just different ideas about how to reach it.
You never have to compromise on your beliefs, but work at understanding the little differences between you and those around you. Choose to respect your coworkers’ perspectives. When you do, your relationships will begin to thrive despite your differences and you will realize that a diversity of opinions actually makes your team stronger.
Leon Fontaine is internationally renowned for his ability to equip people with skills for life. He is the CEO of Miracle Channel and senior pastor of Springs, a contemporary church with six campuses across Western Canada. Visit www.leonfontaine.com for more great articles as well as weekly videos and podcasts. Email your comments to [email protected].
