Speaking with Perspective

Our words and the position from which we share is powerful. What we say can contribute patience, encouragement, or support as well as mischief, distress, and grief. The perspective from which we speak matters. We are better equipped to speak with perspective when we listen to ourselves and give ourselves more understanding and compassion. This also means giving this to others. Remember we never really know what someone else might be going through, including the people we know well and consider our closest work/life relationships. Allow space for this perspective.

Try reflecting on a challenging period of your life, perhaps it was a time of sleep deprivation, work filled with difficult or hostile customers, or maybe you were impacted by constant high stress given the pressures at work or the health issues of a loved one. What we experience can change how we see things, in turn, this can impact how we react. We may need more space to choose our response and to avoid an automatic reaction. This is also why self-awareness and mindfulness are truly valuable for our work/life growth. 

When we know and own that our balance is altered, our attitude is stressed, or perhaps we are anxious and fearful, we can learn to “cause the pause” and give space to experience and accept “what is”. When we give ourselves this space, we give ourselves room to consider alternative choices and look to our values like dignity, understanding, and balance to help us make mindful adjustments. This creates a new perspective.

“Causing the pause” also works well as it relates to our communication. Consider asking yourself: Am I hearing people in a balanced way? Or in the way that it is intended? Make room in whatever way you communicate via text, voice, or video to clarify what is being shared. 

We can modify when or how we speak. This includes the words and tone we use. For instance, we may need to adjust what we say, how we say it, and when we say it. Consider if this is in fact what needs to be said at this time. We may need more time to gain constructive perspective. 

These are times when perspective is needed for productive change. The pressures of work/life change are real. Speaking with perspective during times of change is effective when we make room to consider how change is impacting us, inquire how change is impacting others, and make time and space to understand before introducing solutions or creating new plans. Processing the impact of change authentically as individuals and within a group or team supports people, strengthens relationships, and creates trust. It also provides encouragement for the change that is occurring. Doing this can create perspective to understand “what is” before strategizing for future changes that may be needed to activate adjustments in this time of continuous and ongoing change.

May you give yourself and others room to navigate change and speak with perspective.