I often use the language of ‘lenses’ - that we look at the world through a specific lens, and that we carry in our pocket a range of different ones. That sometimes the challenge is to know which one to use, and sometimes the challenge is to borrow, or make, a new one.
Each lens distorts the light in a different way - each lens allows us to view the situation, or context, in a different perspective, through different filters. But none, in itself, is a whole truth.
Our knowledge and understanding is contextual, and hence a strength in our communities is a diversity of perspectives or, to stick with the metaphor, to have access to a range of different lenses.
As part of the research for a potential book on Social Movements i have been interviewing people in quite specific communities, some of whom use a lens that is very different from my own. I spoke to someone last year who, to my ears, saw every aspect of life as a conspiracy. I struggled to find any common ground with the views he held. But to him, they were his truth.
I suspect that this language is useful for collaboration: when we seek to collaborate, do we simply seek people who see the world as we do, or do we want them to operate in a different context, with a different view? Or are some views just too different?
Use your sixty seconds today to consider this: through which lens do you see the world, and can you think of one person in your team or network who uses a different lens?
Perhaps from a different culture or education, belief system or social context, or simply someone whose journey and experience is different from your own.
Day #226