Looking into the Strength of Perspective

Perspective is one of the five character strengths that comprise the Virtue of Wisdom.

Wisdom describes strengths that help you gather and use knowledge. 

What is perspective?

Perspective is the ability to see the bigger picture in life. Perspective is about being able to see the forest as well as the trees, to avoid getting wrapped up in the small details when there are bigger issues to consider. 

While listening to others, perspective helps you to simultaneously think about life lessons, proper conduct, and what’s best for the situation being discussed. This ability to look at systems as a whole, or to think in big terms, helps you to offer good advice. 

Perspective is distinct from intelligence but represents a high level of knowledge, the capacity to give advice and to recognize and weight multiple sides before making decisions. It allows the individual to address important questions about the conduct and meaning of life.

Why is perspective of value?

• Individuals with perspective are valued by others seeking counsel since those individuals help them see the big picture and alternative points of view.
• Perspective plays an important role in applying strengths according to the “golden mean” – the right strength, the right amount of strength and the right situation.
• Perspective enables people to learn from mistakes and from the strengths of others.

A couple of questions to consider

• When has looking at a problem from another level been most helpful for you personally and for others around you?
• At times when it was difficult to gain perspective, how did you work to see the big picture?

Some things that you can do to practise perspective

• Ask someone you are close to how they find your perspective helpful and when it is not helpful.
• For a challenging work project, go outside your inner circle in order to gather the perspectives of multiple sources. 
• Consider the positives and negatives of offering your perspectives in a close relationship. How might you improve in sharing or not sharing perspective in the future with this person?

For more information on the strength of perspective, go to https://www.viacharacter.org/characte…/social-intelligence

If you are interested in exploring how the practice of Character Strengths might be of benefit to your business and culture, contact Peter Maguire on 0438 533 311 or at info@poswork.com.au.

Acknowledgement: the primary reference for this post is “The Power of Character Strengths: Appreciate And Ignite Your Positive Personality” by Ryan M. Niemiec & Robert E. McGrath (An Official Guide From The VIA Institute on Character)