Embracing O.P.P.O.V.

My coach and good friend, Steve Lounsberry, has continued to help me see the O.P.P.O.V. in life—that is the Other Person's Point Of View.  This is not our natural tendency as humans, but it certainly should be if we are to be effective leaders.  

This idea was recently revealed in living color in a conversation with an associate who was wondering what the heck management was thinking. To be honest, it is a conversation that is often replicated in my coaching calls. However, the same is true when the call is with a manager and they are speaking about their employees. What the heck are they thinking?

In a popular Ted Lasso episode, Ted tells his team that they should “be curious, not judgmental.” In other words consider O.P.P.O.V. An effective manager should attempt to get inside of an employee’s head, heart, and lived-life, and employees should attempt to understand why the manager may be doing what they are doing.

When we are curious we initiate conversations and ask questions. When we are judgemental we make statements.  Conversations to be curious begin with: 

• Help me understand? 

• How did you come to this conclusion? 

• What makes you believe this?   

When we ask questions we then must be open to the answer. We must place our hands palm side up to be physically receptive to the response and “listen” to understand, not to respond. 

Some questions to consider today: 

• How have you actively sought out O.P.P.O.V. and what were the results? 

• What can you do to be curious and not judgemental with friends, family, peers, employees, and managers in the next week?