Have you ever been surprised by how differently someone sees the world? Even when we share experiences, our unique upbringings, beliefs, and biases shape our conclusions in distinct ways.

Ask your team to answer each of these questions independently and then share your answers.

Question 1: A peer of yours receives a big raise. What increase did they get?

Question 2: A mechanic is fixing a problem. He says, “This will take awhile.” How long will it take?

Question 3: You need help and someone responds, “You will hear from me soon.” When will that be?

Question 4: Today you have a lot of absent employees. How many people are absent?

Question #5: An employee asks to be trained. You say, “We’ll train you later.” When will you train?

 

Record all the answers on the summary sheet below.

You likely noticed a range of different responses. Were there any surprises? What did you learn more about each other? How can this help in future interactions?

Embracing alternate perspectives doesn’t mean you have to agree with the other person—it means opening your mind to understanding. In life, this practice fosters deeper connections, helps you navigate relationships with greater empathy and understanding. In the workplace, it sparks innovation, fuels collaboration, and strengthens your ability to lead diverse teams.

By challenging your own assumptions and embracing new ideas, you unlock solutions that might otherwise remain hidden, opening doors to success and fulfillment. Expanding your view doesn’t just help you adapt to change—it positions you to thrive in an ever-evolving world.