The Power of Multiple Perspectives

Published on August 22, 2022, 2:25 p.m. 
by Heather Smyth.

The popular Nickelodeon TV show “Drake & Josh” began each episode with a widescreen introduction featuring the two step brothers. They recalled a shared experience and explained their perspectives. Oftentimes, Drake seemed to have a positive take on the story, whereas Josh focused on the negative.

Perspective taking is a powerful tool that individuals possess to build relationships personally and professionally. It is the ability to comprehend a perspective that is different from one’s own. Public relations relies on relationships to strengthen ties with clients and key publics, commonly interacting with people from different backgrounds.

According to Forbes, “Our perspectives shape how we act or react in a situation.” To broaden your perspective, actions such as meeting new people, listening to others and showing engagement by asking questions are great places to start.

How you think and feel can sometimes be an internal battle with that voice in your head. Trying new things can expand your perspective, such as learning a new language or skill, traveling and reading a variety of books. Other benefits include the ability to make better decisions based on knowledge of our ever-changing society and also encourage empathy toward others.

Being open to differing perspectives is crucial within the PR industry. A major part of public relations is developing creative strategies for promotion and awareness; therefore, multiple points of view can spark new ideas. Firms can bring the best ideas to clients and explore all angles.

Everyone sees the world through a unique lens, which can be beneficial in a PR setting. Sharing diverse opinions can encourage reflection on past experiences or help you envision a plan for the future. Although Drake and Josh contrasted each other on a sibling level, their reflections reveal how understanding multiple perspectives allows for individual recognition and validation.