As a team, we become more adaptable when we can open our minds to the opinions of others. Individually, when we can fixate less on our own opinions and more on the perspectives and experiences of others, we have the potential of becoming a more productive team. Promoting opinion diversity doesn’t imply blind agreement with every idea introduced within the team. We can (and should) disagree respectfully while recognizing the line between voicing a different perspective and outspoken hostility. There is no requirement that we change our opinion based on the views of another, but learning how to listen to each other without immediately passing judgment—or worse, projecting intolerance—is essential to our success, both personally and collectively. There is almost always something to be learned by actively listening to differing perspectives.
Choose Your Attitude While sometimes challenging, our differences benefit us as a team and as individuals. The reality is that while we cannot change the behavior of others, we each have the ability to decide how we allow their bad attitudes to affect us. As you interact with others, try to keep in mind that facts can be subjective. It may not feel like it, but so often, the hostility and disrespect we encounter from others has nothing at all to do with us. The trick is remembering to choose an attitude and response that appropriately and professionally represents you. How much weight and authority we give others is a choice. ◆ CINDY CAMPBELL is IPMI’s senior training and development specialist. She is available for onsite training and professional development and can be reached at campbell@parking-mobility.org.
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