Perception vs Perspective

Good mediators and negotiators know the difference between perception and perspective.

They know how to leverage both when building rapport and connecting with others.

Perception is crucial because it's how you gather information about another person. You need to accurately perceive their body language, tone of voice, and other non-verbal cues. If your perception is off, you might misunderstand their intentions or feelings.

Perspective, however, is key to empathy and relating to others. By considering someone else's perspective, you can understand where they’re coming from, which can help you connect on a deeper level. Recognizing that someone else may see things differently from you is essential for building rapport.

In the context of building rapport, perspective might be considered slightly more important because it involves actively trying to see and feel things from another person's point of view, which is fundamental to establishing a connection and trust. However, without accurate perception as a foundation, you might misinterpret their perspective. 

So, while perspective might have the edge in importance, it works hand in hand with perception in the process of building relationships.

Both are powerful.

Understanding the difference can change everything.

-Mitch