Don’t forget that there is never one truth.
There is this common belief that there is one world, one reality - and therefore also one truth. And people sue each other to go to court and hear the judges decide about the truth.
But that is a trap. Judges don’t decide about the one truth. They use the country’s laws and regulations, analyze what is in front of them (written documents and personal hearings) and decide in a way that either represents a compromise for both sides or that comes closest to local ruling. This implies that there is subjectivity - there always is - and the result depends on the people in the court room, e.g. the personality and experience of the lawyer you chose.
Let’s take a look at a normal business day. You get to meet people who all hold their own view of the world. Who all have experienced quite different lives. And who therefore also make different assumptions and decisions. That is totally normal.
This also means that it is impossible to be in agreement with every person. Even if you follow the same values and like each other, you will experience every situation differently - and that’s normal.
However, I get to meet many colleagues who are convinced of their reality as the only possible truth. Who feel and behave as if there was no other possibility. Meaning that the others must be wrong.
This increases conflicts at work and general dissatisfaction. It creates superior-inferior constellations or so-called win-lose situations.
If your aim is to improve general work satisfaction and create a work environment where respect is valued and lived by, you may consider the following mindset and behavior changes:
Before judging on any situation or making a major decision, reflect on opposite or other views than your own.
Of course, your own way of thinking is the most natural to you and will come to your mind first. However, you can practice to broaden your horizon by stopping yourself and asking the following questions:
How would department X approach the topic? What is important to them? (E.g. when working in HR, I reflect on the Finance perspective.)
Who would not agree with your decision and what would they do differently?
Who is a person you strongly dislike and how would they decide?
What would happen if you chose the contrary? What positive consequences could follow?
Please, don’t say, "I don’t know. How should I know? I’m not them." That’s lame. It shows that you are not interested in even reflecting on or imagining other options. Of course, you will never know how they really feel and maybe your assumptions about them are wrong. But that’s not the point. It is about trying to think differently.
It is about seeking to understand before seeking to be understood.
Maybe you want to be quick and shoot your answer, your decision, or your success at those around you. If you prefer to pause for a moment and reflect on other options, you will make the more sustainable decision. And speaking your thoughts out loud will show your audience that you respect and hold other views in mind before making your decision. And that you try to decide as holistically as possible - with the benefit of all in mind. That’s powerful.
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