A change of perspective
opens up new horizons!

A sudden change of body position in space, e.g. from vertical to horizontal, can lead to surprising views.

My basic military service at the end of the 1950s helped me to realise this. During field exercises, the command „Lie down!“ forced this change of perspective. At first, I could admire the terrain and vegetation of a military training area. Still, shortly afterwards, I found my face 10 cm away from the ground, which I had seen before but whose diversity I had not been able to appreciate.

Now I was confronted with a species-rich, small-flowered deficiency-vegetation (military training areas usually have barren soils) and a varied world of insects and minerals. Without the harsh request to „lie down!“ this world would have remained hidden from me.

I enjoyed this change of perspective if I disregard the then necessary, dutiful cleaning of clothes.

So what lessons can be learned from this for coaching practice?

To support our clients in the best possible way, it is necessary to perceive and consider as many aspects and approaches as possible that could be relevant to their questions. It helps if I frequently change my perspective during the process, sometimes looking more comprehensively and in more detail.

I should also not use more than theoretical concepts because these direct my attention. They enable me to see certain things and close my eyes to others. Therefore, I should constantly change my glasses here as well.

Do you feel like looking behind every corner anew with other inquisitive & highly empathic human companions? Then Diane, @Antje and I cordially invite you to our exclusive premiere of L-I-A-M, the Lübelner Inter-Aktional Matrix.
In an intensive kick-off workshop on multidimensionality and complexity in coaching, counselling & leadership, we will train our intuition and learn why we can trust it. You will find the link to when, where and how in the first comment. We are looking forward to meeting you!

I am Eberhard Bohrisch, a Systemic Psychologist and one of the few active coaches with more than 50 years of professional experience.