A Matter of Perspective
Abstract
While there will always be a critical need for tactical and technical competency, the focus on how human factors impact military leadership and outcomes continues to grow. Understanding and anticipating human behavior will always matter most in a time of high-risk, high pay-off persistent engagement. The need for a deeper understanding and appreciation of others' perspectives and cultures is relevant in a wide range of missions, and especially so in a joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multi-national context. For the military, the goal of gaining perspective is not necessarily to instill altruistic behavior, acquiesce to another's outlook, or encourage leaders to take pity, but to collaborate (or in certain cases compete) with others by suspending one's own beliefs and biases to gain an accurate understanding as to others' motives, ultimately to secure U.S. objectives. Not only is perspective-taking a critical component in achieving cultural awareness and understanding, but it also is necessary for the development of interpersonal skills that enable effective communication, relationship-building, negotiation, and conflict resolution.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 21, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA592552
Entities
People
- Kara Soules
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School