To understand others fully, leaders must set aside personal biases and assumptions.
Suspending one’s frame of reference enables open-mindedness, empathy, and deeper comprehension of different perspectives. This skill strengthens conflict resolution, decision-making, and relationship-building by fostering inclusivity and reducing misjudgments.
Practical Exercise: The “Pause & Perspective Shift” Method
Before reacting to a viewpoint or situation, take these three steps to suspend your frame of reference:
- Pause – Take a moment before responding to recognize any immediate biases or assumptions.
- Perspective Shift – Ask yourself: “How might this look from their point of view?” or “What factors might be influencing their perspective?”
- Seek Clarification – Instead of assuming, ask an open-ended question: “Can you help me understand your reasoning behind that?”
Action Step: In your next conversation, use the Pause & Perspective Shift method to challenge assumptions and deepen understanding.