If you would like to get into the habit of considering other people's perspectives and finding solutions that serve the greater good, then this exercise can be a valuable tool for you. Whenever you have a decision to make, a strategy to plan or a conflict to resolve that affects several people, you can apply this exercise.
Think about all the people who are (going to be) affected by the issue at hand. Then choose three or four representatives that would be able to give you a good insight into everyone's thoughts and feelings on the subject. If you can't have a real meeting with them because time won't allow it or they are not available, then place a chair around a table for each person as well as for yourself. Now sit in your place first. Think about the situation from your perspective. Make a voice recording or take some notes to keep a record. Keep it short and spontaneous, spend no more than five minutes there.
Then move on to the next seat. Look at the situation from this persons perspective. Intuitively, how do you think this person or group of people feels about this situation? Again, take notes or record a voice message.
Then go round to the other seats and record your thoughts on each persons feelings and perspective in turn. Never spend more than five minutes in any position, just check in quickly, don't start pondering the situation.
Once you have gone all the way round, return to your seat and try to find a solution that would work for everyone.
You can go into much more detail with exercises like this and they can be very helpful in finding solutions without having to actually consult the other parties (although that is, of course, preferable where possible). If you would like to facilitate these kinds of exercises for you or your colleagues, please get in touch.
