12/02/2023
"Accurately understanding the cognitive and affective perspective of others results in several positive outcomes. First, perspective-taking, by influencing how messages are phrased and received, improves communication and reduces misunderstandings and distortions.
Second, perspective-taking is essential for a realistic assessment of common and opposed interests and an accurate assessment of their validity and relative merits. This nderstanding is required if participants are to reach an agreement based on deciding which opposed interests need to be sacrificed so that the common benefits, concerns, advantages, and needs may be built on.
Third, a broader view of the issue results from being able to take the other person’s perspective. If you want to influence the other person, you also need to understand empathetically the power of his/her point of view and to feel the emotional force with which he or she believes in it.
Fourth, engaging in perspective-taking tends to improve the relationship with the other person. You are more liked and respected when the other person realizes that you are seeing his or her perspective accurately and using it to create potential agreements that benefit both sides equally.
Perspective-taking is most helpful when there are multiple issues under discussion or when the conflict has multiple dimensions that may be combined in creative ways.
Perspective-taking is the neglected secret of constructive problem solving, negotiations, conflict resolution, higher-level cognitive and moral reasoning, and most other aspects of human interaction. While it is not always easy or comfortable to do, it is essential for building and maintaining constructive relationships. Teaching children how to take others’ perspectives is a needed aspect of schooling and socialization. Becoming skillful in taking the perspective of others will tend to significantly improve the quality of one’s life."
David W. Johnson Ed.D.