Overview: This resource introduces the VIEW framework, a simple four-step approach for working with people who see a situation differently. It helps you understand what may be shaping another person’s perspective, identify what matters to them, consider what their view can add to yours, and work toward a stronger next step.
Two people can look at the same situation and come away with different conclusions.
That does not necessarily mean one person is right and the other is wrong. You may be working with different information, priorities, experiences, or concerns.
Before you start explaining why your view makes sense, use VIEW to get curious about theirs.
Use VIEW
V — Verify what they know
What do they know that I don’t?
They may have information, experience, or context you have not considered. Ask questions that help you understand what is shaping their point of view. You may uncover something that changes how you see the situation.
I — Identify what matters to them
What are they trying to protect or achieve?
Look beyond the position they are taking. They may be focused on speed, quality, risk, workload, cost, the customer, or another priority that matters to the work. Understanding what they are trying to accomplish can make their perspective easier to understand.
E — Expand your own view
What part of their view could improve mine?
You do not have to agree with everything they are saying. Look for the part of their perspective that adds something useful to yours. Maybe they are noticing a risk you missed, bringing experience you do not have, or considering an impact you had not thought about. The goal is not to give up your point of view. It is to make it stronger.
W — Work toward a better next step
What would a better next step look like if we used both perspectives?
Once you understand what each person is seeing, bring the useful pieces together. You may still disagree on some things. The question is whether what you have learned from each other can lead to a stronger decision, clearer next step, or better result.
What VIEW can look like at work
Imagine two coworkers are discussing a project deadline.
One wants to launch as planned. The other wants more time before moving ahead.
Instead of immediately defending the deadline, the first person asks a few questions. They learn that their coworker has spotted a customer issue that could create problems after launch.
Now the conversation changes. It is no longer simply “launch now” versus “delay.” They can look at the risk together and decide whether it can be addressed without changing the whole plan.
That is VIEW in action. The different perspective did not get in the way of the work. It helped them see more of it.
Different perspectives can make the work better
You do not need to see things the same way to move forward.
Sometimes the better answer comes from understanding why someone else sees it differently, and using that perspective to see more of the picture yourself.
Before your next conversation, remember:
Verify. Identify. Expand. Work.
That’s VIEW.
