Embracing Different Perspectives: Why It’s Better to Grow Together

Written by: Tex Wambui

On your turn, have you ever found yourself in a debate where you think there is no way out but to advance your argument even when the opposition seems unstoppable? But here’s the thing: stiff necked and not willing to listen to the other side can sometimes end up hurting more than helping. Progress is halted and new barriers are introduced.

Holding one’s ground without having the slightest perception of other opinions is a colossal loss. What if instead of perceiving diverse opinions as the problem, we could perceive them as an opportunity that we might be educated now? Suppose, if people did not look at opinions as a battle but as an exchange that could be explored.

Understanding Other sees that nobody’s perspective on a given matter will be the same since people go through different experiences in life. That is the true essence of conversations with people: it is much more fun when there are differences in opinions. Understanding that everyone’s perspective is truth for them creates awareness of the situations. None of them is guilty, it is just that one has to learn to see things from the other person’s perspective.

​Listening can be described as one of the most effective approaches towards the achievement of understanding. This I say does not include merely waiting for an appropriate time to say one’s own line. It is the effort towards trying to view things from the other person’s angle. This means that as people listen, they do not focus on developing an answer, but on absorbing the speakers’ meaning.

Constructive conversations are realized when people are willing to help and teach each other. These are the interactions that are largely associated with innovation and progression. I believe that instead of suppressing the conflicting opinions, one should embrace it and try to understand why it happened. This not only deepens relations, but also the outcome is much more effective.

Thus, the effectiveness of any discussion lies in the ability of the participants to develop from them. Thus, only accepting the idea of differences and cultivating respect for each other and understanding, it will be possible to step beyond rhetoric. But that is not what is being offered here – it is about changing for the better together and moving forward.

It is crucial to note that our opinion counts but is equally important as having the capacity to respect and value other people’s experiences. When transforming ‘conflict’ into a dialogue, it will be possible to launch and develop collaboration that will make for a better future.