The Power of Perspective: How Different Views Shape Leadership

Have you ever looked at something and seen one thing—only to have someone else see it completely differently? Maybe you’ve stared at an optical illusion where half the room swears they see a vase, and the other half insists it’s two faces. And we all remember the blue vs. gold dress debate that took social media by storm (I still think it was blue!)

The reality? Both perspectives are right—just different.

This happens in leadership teams all the time. Perspective shapes decisions, communication, and even the way we solve problems. When leaders don’t recognise or appreciate different viewpoints, it can lead to frustration, misalignment, and missed opportunities.

In your venue, these differences in perspective can play out in subtle but powerful ways:

The Frontline Manager’s Perspective: "We need more staff on the floor—we’re stretched too thin!"

The General Manager’s Perspective: "Labour costs are high—we need to be mindful of the budget."

The Marketing Team’s Perspective: "Let’s host more live music to attract a younger crowd!"

The Operations Team’s Perspective: "Loud music could disrupt our regular diners and members."

The Leadership Team’s Perspective: "We need to upgrade our POS system for better efficiency."

The Frontline Team’s Perspective: "We just learned the last system—another change will slow us down!"

No one is necessarily wrong—it’s just different lived experiences influencing how each person sees the same issue. The challenge for leadership teams isn’t eliminating these differences, but learning how to recognise, respect, and work with them to drive better outcomes.

The most effective leadership teams don’t let different viewpoints create division. Instead, they use them as a tool for better decision-making, stronger collaboration, and a more engaged team. Here’s how:

• Acknowledge Different Perspectives – Encourage open discussions where leaders can voice concerns and insights without fear of being dismissed.
• Find Common Ground – Focus on shared goals rather than individual viewpoints. What’s best for the guest, the team, and the venue?
• Adapt Communication Styles – Some team members need data, others need big-picture vision. Understanding how your leaders process information makes alignment easier.

If leadership misalignment is slowing your team down, it’s time to shift the way you work together. Our upcoming webinar will explore how different leadership styles impact decision-making—and how to bridge gaps, build trust, and create a high-performing leadership team.

Date: Tuesday 18^th March

Time: 1:00pm AEDT

Register Here: [https://www.michellepascoe.com/discwebinar]

At the end of the day, perspective isn’t a problem—it’s an opportunity. When leaders learn to see through each other’s eyes, they create teams that are stronger, more adaptable, and more connected than ever.