We talk and write a lot about the importance of Perceptual Style in understanding conflict. With good reason! Our Perceptual Style is the most important factor in Perceptual Style Theory (PST) in determining how we see the world. Notably, differences in Perceptual Style are often at the core of conflict. However, Perceptual Style differences are not the only contributor to conflict – in some situations, style differences may not be the most important.

Communication – you might say we human beings are obsessed with it. After all, it’s the fundamental action that brings us together or pushes us apart.

Whenever Lynda-Ross and I train an “Introduction to Perceptual Style Theory (PST)” seminar, there is always a lot of positive energy and excitement as participants discover their Perceptual Style and what it means for them. Most people experience a huge validation as they recognize themselves in the description of their Perceptual Style.

Last weekend I watched The Adam Project on Netflix. If you haven't seen or heard of it yet, it's a comedy/action/adventure film about a time-traveling fighter pilot who, after accidentally crash-landing in 2022, teams up with his 12-year-old self in a mission to save the future. I really enjoyed it, but I must admit I enjoy just about any film with Ryan Reynolds in it.

This is my sixth blog in a series of six discussing the challenge of finding and mentoring the right people for our organizations. The interview process is a combination of art and science and often comes down to our gut feeling about someone.  The long-drawn-out question and answer process of interviews can be tedious, and it can also leave you with inconclusive results. 

When I was quite young, I had the usual answers to that common question, "What are you going to be when you grow up." Since my mother and father were physicians, I would often as not answer "Doctor" rather than "Fireman" or "Policeman". It was with relief that I would realize I had gotten away again as, with satisfied smiles, people would say, "That will make your father and mother so proud!"

My sister and I have had several conversations about judgement lately. The context has been about the detrimental impact to people and communities— how harsh judgement fractures relationships and thwarts connection.

This is my fifth blog in a series of six discussing the challenge of finding and mentoring the right people for our organizations. The interview process is a combination of art and science and often comes down to our gut feeling about someone. The long-drawn-out question and answer process of interviews can be tedious, and it can also leave you with inconclusive results.  I discussed my views on this subject in a blog titled “Getting to Know You…” published last May, in the blog titled “Getting to Know You too..” published last July, in the blog titled “Getting to Know You...Also” published last October and in the blog titled “And...Getting to Know You” published this past November. 

On the first page of our book, Unlock the Power of Your Perception, Lynda-Ross and I point out that no one seeks self-awareness for the sake of self-awareness. People seek self-discovery because they believe that something is wrong, and they are looking for a solution. We go on to point out that there are many things that people feel are wrong about themselves or others, but they all have a common theme: We feel frustrated that something that we want or expect is eluding us.

One of the traditions I grew up with that's still a part of my holiday season is baking cookies for Santa. I was about 5 years old the first time I remember baking Santa cookies with my mom. The last time we baked together was the Christmas before she passed away.