The Lens Through Which You See is Biased
How else can very smart people come to different conclusions? I observed this while watching the decision making being done in response to COVID-19. The science people made statements and offered suggestions from a scientific and medical perspective, the politicians made statements and suggestions based on politics, the business people made statements and suggestions based on economics and the nonprofit leaders made statements and suggestions based in their mission. None were incorrect, but each taken in isolation was very limited in perspective.
SO WHAT?
As leaders, we need to recognize that we “see” situations through our own lenses. Our perspectives are limited by our experiences. Therefore, if we make decisions based solely on our own reality, we are “seeing every decision as a nail because the only tool we have is a hammer”.
In order to expand your perspective so as to make better decisions, you must gain the experience and perspective of others. How? Surround yourself with people who have different skills and experiences (this is the power of diversity) . You can do this through the hiring process and/or by establishing a formal or informal group of advisors.
By reaching out and listening to people who think differently, because they have different experiences and perspectives, you will strengthen your leadership through better decision making.