Core Concept
Diversity & Perspective Taking

Perspective taking is the ability to understand and consider someone else’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences. It involves stepping outside of our own perspective and trying to see the world from another person’s point of view. Perspective taking is essential for effective communication, compassion, and building meaningful connections with others. Fostering diversity and inclusion also relies on welcoming and understanding a range of perspectives, allowing space for the voices of those from other cultures, communities, and genders.

Bringing Perspectives Together

There is a story of a group of blind men who have never come across an elephant before and who learn and imagine what the elephant is by touching it. Each blind man feels a different part of the animal’s body, but only one part, such as the side or the tusk. They then describe what they are touching, and each has a different perspective based on their limited experience. They are not able to realize the totality of the experience unless they are able to listen to and understand others’ perspectives. Only by bringing together all perspectives will they ever know that they are touching an elephant. This story reminds us that to fully understand systems, we cannot be limited to our own experience and perspective.

Inclusive Spaces

Failing to listen to and understand others’ perspectives risks excluding those who we do not see as “like-minded”. Our unconscious biases, left unchecked, can lead to racism, homophobia, and other types of discrimination. Creating a fully inclusive space demands that we approach new relationships without judgement, and instead with openness and curiosity.