On the flip side

​In a world which encourages such a ‘me’ focus, have you ever stopped to consider what are others experiences on the other side of you?  Being in any relationship involves understanding the perspectives and feelings of those we interact with.  Especially if you are in a leadership position, this is important to understand. 
 
A few years ago our team did some work together to understand each other’s ‘how’ – we learned our strengths, our weaknesses and how we are all ‘wired’ (like I am a verbal processer, team motivated and tend to move really fast).  This isn’t a good or bad or pass or fail, it is just a simple ‘how.”  Suddenly, what seemed to be personal, wasn’t, we realized that we are all wired different.   I learned how to approach each individual, they learned what my leadership style is like. 
 
Some of the areas this evaluation clarified was how you handle conflict, do you readily accept it or are you conflict avoidant, understanding this about yourself will help you understand how to manage yourself around others.  Other areas indicated if you become more social or less social when meeting new people, are you team motivated or more autonomous, are you high detail or big picture? 
 
How often in life do we just navigate in a fog of unawareness of how we impact those around us?  I know for myself, since I tend to move fast in my decision making, I have learned for the sake of my team and heck, even my marriage, that I need to press pause before deciding.  Now, in decision making I often will pull into my inner circle to process a choice before I make a final decision, this helps me with fresh perspective and slows me down – which protects those around me who do not move as fast.
 
I am far from perfect and also passionate about my personal and professional growth, part of that includes what others experience of me is.  Recently I have had a few experiences that have made me reflect on the work I have put in on myself when it comes to being on the other side of me.  It starts with the simple things, like showing up on time, in giving your attention to the person at hand rather than allowing distractions to divide you?
 
So, what do you think the experience is on the other side of you?
 
B.