Be a Planeswalker

“Go then, there are other worlds than these.” – Stephen King, The Gunslinger

The world is a wonderfully diverse place. No two people are the same as cultures, beliefs, and ways of living vary by country. Even within a single geographical area there are differing views, fashions, tastes, etc. Listening to, and understanding the foundation of, others’ perspectives enhances your own view of the world.

In a world where social media screams at you to put the focus on yourself, it can be all too easy to only seek self affirmation. Studies have shown people will go as far as reshaping their own social network in order to avoid negative feedback¹. This creates a sphere of similarity, excluding those whose views may differ from yours. Additionally, if you are always talking, then you are never listening. High quality listening decreases the speaker’s social anxiety, which in turn reduces defensive responses². Seeking other opinions is key to success. Evidence shows that teams which are composed of different types of thinking outperform homogenous groups on complex tasks (this includes improved problem solving, increased innovation, and more-accurate predictions)³.

A planeswalker is someone who can travel across planes of existence⁴. Use this approach in life. Be able to move between social circles and environments. Listen to others when they speak, giving them your full attention. Approach each view point from a position of curiosity, not judgement. Be quiet and actually listen to the perspectives of others. Find what drives those around you. Travel to places you normally wouldn’t to push your comfort zone. Constantly challenge yourself and your views in order to improve.  Most importantly, enjoy your journey between worlds.

Action: Talk to people outside of your regular social circle with the goal of listening. Go to a place or event you normally wouldn’t.

Further Reading:

1. Shopping for Confirmation: How Disconfirming Feedback Shapes Social Networks
2. I Am Aware of My Inconsistencies but Can Tolerate Them: The Effect of High Quality Listening on Speakers’ Attitude Ambivalence
3. The diversity bonus: how great teams pay off in the knowledge economy.
4. Planeswalker – definition