Perspectives are the lenses through which we see the world whether you are a school student,  business professional, social entrepreneur or concerned with your own creativity. Perspectives shape how we interpret information, solve problems, and make decisions. Perspectives can be distinguished by three factors: (i) the data they observe, (ii) the methods of processing that data, and (iii) the values attributed to the outcomes of that data processing. The Power of Perspective is that taking diverse perspectives exposes assumptions and inconsistencies, enabling better problem-solving. Consider how these dimensions of a perspective can vary between different perspectives and shed new insight into the problems you confront.

Perspective Dimenions

Explicit Data Observations exposes the Power of perspective

A specific perspective focuses on the data that it deems relevant. The selected data becomes the basis for the analysis and evaluation associated with that perspective, framing the limits of what that perspective can deliver.  Selecting some data for analysis means rejecting other data, and being explicit about the data selection exposes potential blind spots. Consider how these different perspectives are constrained by the data they select.

• From a scientific perspective, data is typically primary observations from carefully designed experiments.
• From a technological perspective, data might include design objectives, environmental measurements, secondary data on component characteristics etc.
• From a market perspective, market data may be primary observations or secondary studies concerning the need for or intended use of a new product or service.
• From a regulatory perspective, secondary data on industry performance is typically collected through regulatorily required reporting.

Explicit Processing Methods demonstrate the skills associated with specific perspectives

A specific perspective may have particular skills associated with it that provide methods for processing or analyzing the data selected by that perspective. Some perspectives utilize data analysis methods that are very quantitative with some degree of implied precision, while others are more qualitative recognizing e.g. different categories of data.

• From a scientific perspective, scientific methods develop models of the world which enable predictions that can be tested for validity, falsifiability etc.
• From a technological perspective, design methods include industry best practices, use of scientific models, calculations of expected performance in various conditions
• From a market perspective, key requirements and product concepts can be articulated and tested prior to implementation.  Such testing can also be used in the estimation of expected market size, value etc.
• From a regulatory perspective, economic studies, judicial outcomes and other policy considerations can be used to guide the development of policies affecting specific industries or technologies

The power of perspective is often seen best in divergent valuation approaches

Perspectives use values to gauge the results of their analysis. Values can be idiosyncratic or informed by some explicit rule to associate some meaning of “goodness” to an analytic output.  For example, a two perspectives may both look at real estate sales data and conclude that there is a trend of rising prices. One perspective may interpret this as a good result because the value of that perspective holder’s real estate wealth is increasing. A different perspective may conclude this trend is a social disaster as young folks forming new households would not be able to afford to purchase a house.  Consider the valuation mechanisms that these perspectives use:

• From a scientific perspective, scientific progress is achieved through the dissemination and adoption by others of new models of model extensions.
• From a technological perspective, successful implementations are typically evaluated in terms of the delivery of design objectives and various performance metrics such as cost or efficiency
• From a market perspective, market success is usually measured in terms of market adoption and value received.
• From a regulatory perspective, regulatory outcomes are typically valued in terms of alignment with policy objectives and more general social and legal concepts such as fairness

Conclusions

Perspective-taking is not only a social skill but also a cognitive skill. It enables you to see things differently, think creatively, and solve problems more effectively. Perspective-taking can also help you build rapport, trust, and loyalty with your team and stakeholders. If you are interested in taking this Power of Perspective course, please visit our website for more information and registration details. Don’t miss this opportunity to unlock the Power of Perspective for yourself and your organization.