Perspective Sieve

Self and Family
Work and Community
World and Universe

When considering a problem or situation it helps to consider other perspectives. Viewing things from another persons point of view often opens up solutions to problems.  This Perspective Sieve can be used for yourself or when discussing options in an interview, exam or educational role.

Self and Family

Consider things as they are from your viewpoint and then what your partner might think, and how any children or your wider family might perceive things

Work and Community

Put yourself in the position of your work colleagues or those who know you as friends. What would they think about the situation? How would the wider community view the issue? What about your clients or patients if you are a doctor or in a working role.

World and Universe

How would your professional or work organisation view your situation. How important is it in a national, government or international perspective. This now puts things in context and usually makes the problem appear smaller and more manageable. To get a truly distant viewpoint consider things in the context of the wider universe. At this point problems often become insignificant! It is a helpful technique to use if you are being overwhelmed by a problem.

A pictorial sheet to help you consider all these perspectives is available here Perspective Sieve  Work through the sheet from “self” to “universe” considering how a person at each level might view the situation. You can do this on your own or in discussion with others. Using a diagram gives a focus for the discussion and open up a wider view on different approaches to the situation.