Perceptual filters and flexibility

’Perceptual filter’ is the label that is used to describe how we see the world. How we see the world is colored by our past experiences. We each have our own personal model of the world, which will have blind spots caused by these perceptual filters. It often pays to look at a situation from a different point of view or wider perspective in order to obtain greater understanding of what is going on.

Considering life from different perspective is clearly important for creativity and innovation. Exploring a problem or opportunity from a number of different perceptual positions enables us to move beyond our customary habits and perceptions, bringing wisdom to our interactions with others.

Perceptual Positions

These are the stances from which we think about a set of circumstances or a particular situation. The basic perceptual positions in communication relationships are:

1: ‘First position’ or ‘Self’- I

Being in your own skin, looking at the world through your own eyes, having you

point of view based on your own beliefs, assumptions and past experiences.

2: ‘Second position’ or ‘Other’ – You

Being in the ‘shoes’ of the other person, looking at the world through his/her eyes

having his/her point of view based on his/her beliefs and assumptions as if you had

experienced his/her life

3: ‘Third position’ or ‘Observer’ – They

Being a detached observer of the relationship between you and the other person – like a fly on the wall, detached from the feeling of those involved in the situation.

4: ‘Fourth position’ or ‘Thinking vision of the system’ – We

Being part of a larger system, taking on the perspective of the whole system – ie department, organization or larger community.