Practising Perception and Perspective as a Management skill
- Renata Burrows
- May 19
- 2 min read
Updated: May 20
Did you know that the Top 3 challenges for managers in 2024 are:
Having difficult conversations
Conflict management
Influencing others
The necessary skills that support managers in these challenges are :
Active Listening, Empathy, Clear Communication, Compassion, Respect, Collaboration, Emotional Intelligence and Being Present. Also, Negotiation, Trust Building and other Leadership skills.
However, one approach that underpins all these skills can change the way you manage your team members. And that is how you practise...
Perception vs. Perspective
Definition: Perception refers to the way we interpret sensory information and form an understanding of our environment. It’s how we "see" or "sense" things based on our experiences, beliefs, and biases. It’s about how we interpret and process what’s happening around us.
For example: Two people see a glass of water. One perceives it as half-full (optimistic), while the other perceives it as half-empty (pessimistic). Their perception depends on how they interpret the same visual information.
Definition: Perspective is the mental viewpoint or, as I call it, “a pair of glasses”, through which we approach situations, shaped by our values, experiences, and cultural background. It’s about where we’re coming from, influencing how we view things over time.
For example: A manager who was once an entry-level employee might have a more empathetic perspective toward her team because she understands their challenges. Meanwhile, a manager who hasn’t experienced those struggles might approach things differently.
Perception is influenced by perspective. Your perspective (overall mindset and values) shapes how you perceive specific events or situations.
Scenario: You receive constructive criticism from your boss.
Perception 1: You interpret the feedback as a personal failure (due to insecurity or imposter syndrome).
Perception 2: You see it as an opportunity to grow (due to confidence).
The difference between these perceptions might stem from your perspective on leadership:
If your perspective is "Leaders must always have the answers," you may feel discouraged.
If your perspective is "Leadership is a learning process," you might feel encouraged to improve.
Why does this matter?
On a personal level understanding the interplay between perception and perspective is critical for helping you shift your mindset and build confidence in leadership.
For your team it means, you create:
Trust: Team members feel understood and respected.
Growth: Individuals are encouraged to take on challenges and improve.
Collaboration: Conflicts are resolved constructively, and diverse ideas are welcomed.
Confidence: The team knows their leader will support and guide them without judgment.
Especially as a first-time manager, focus on building your skills by being aware of your perception and perspective and be open to inviting team members' perspectives so you can make more informed decisions and resolve problems with more insight.
Further reading on the topic:
