How Embracing Varying Perspectives Improves Team Problem-Solving
Want your team to deliver higher-quality, more impactful solutions? Embracing a range of perspectives could be the key to achieving that.
Why Varying Perspectives Matter
When teams are encouraged to look at challenges from multiple angles, they gain a more comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. Diverse viewpoints expand the team’s understanding of what is objectively true, leading to solutions that are not only more effective but also more resilient. By inviting different perspectives, you’re setting the stage for higher-quality problem-solving, as each member brings unique insights that contribute to a fuller picture.
Leadership plays an essential role in fostering an environment where varying perspectives are welcomed. Start by creating space for open discussion in every meeting. Instead of moving quickly to conclusions, take time to explore alternative viewpoints. When leaders actively invite team members to share their thoughts, it reinforces that each perspective matters and contributes to the team’s success.
Pro Tip for Leaders: Use open-ended questions to dig deeper into different perspectives. Questions like, “How might we approach this from another angle?” or “What other factors should we consider?” can help reveal insights that may otherwise go unnoticed.
One of the best ways to bring in new perspectives is through cross-functional collaboration. By working with colleagues from various departments or areas of expertise, teams gain insights that provide a more well-rounded view of the challenges and opportunities they face. Cross-functional teams can identify potential issues, spot opportunities, and generate ideas that lead to more complete, actionable solutions.
Quick Win: Encourage team members to reach out to someone in another department for a “perspective swap” session. During these brief conversations, team members can share their thoughts on a current challenge, getting fresh feedback that broadens their understanding.
Expand Thinking with Perspective-Building Exercises
Building the habit of looking at challenges from multiple perspectives is powerful. Perspective-building exercises can help, such as rotating roles during brainstorming sessions or using “What if?” scenarios to explore possibilities. This practice develops flexible thinking, helping team members approach issues objectively and consider factors beyond their own experience.
Try This: In your next team meeting, assign each person a different “lens” through which to view the challenge. For example, one might take on the “customer perspective,” another the “financial perspective,” and another the “technical perspective.” This helps everyone stretch their thinking and find solutions that are well-rounded and deeply considered.
Fostering open dialogue helps team members refine their ideas and understand the reasoning behind each perspective. When people feel comfortable expressing different viewpoints, the team benefits from a richer understanding of the problem. Encourage team members to explain the reasoning behind their ideas—this builds trust and strengthens the team’s ability to collaborate toward the best solution.
Coaching Tip: Ask team members to articulate how they reached a particular conclusion, encouraging reflection and deeper analysis. This practice strengthens their critical thinking and opens up new avenues for discussion.
A variety of perspectives helps the team uncover objective truths. When ideas are debated and analyzed from multiple angles, teams are better able to identify which solutions hold up under scrutiny. This leads to more robust decisions based on a shared understanding of facts rather than assumptions or individual preferences.
The Value of Perspective: When a team embraces multiple viewpoints, they are not just generating ideas—they’re stress-testing solutions. Solutions that have been rigorously examined through varying perspectives are more likely to address underlying issues effectively and have staying power.
Why is This Important?
A team that regularly considers diverse perspectives is more adept at finding high-quality, effective solutions. By expanding their understanding of what is objectively true, they can avoid blind spots, anticipate challenges, and make decisions that are rooted in a well-rounded view of reality. Embracing this approach enhances problem-solving, drives better outcomes, and ultimately leads to greater team success.
Skills to Develop: Building Perspective-Taking into Team Culture
Developing a team culture that values perspective-taking requires regular practice and a commitment to objective thinking. Here are some skills to build within your team:
Active Listening: Truly listen to understand each perspective fully. This helps reveal insights that may otherwise be missed.
Asking Thought-Provoking Questions: Encourage questions that invite team members to explore ideas from different angles.
Embracing Debate: When team members respectfully challenge each other’s views, they sharpen their thinking and arrive at more thoroughly considered solutions.
When teams make perspective-taking a part of their problem-solving process, they build a culture where ideas are more robust, decisions are better informed, and solutions are designed to address the full scope of the challenge.
