Bear perspectives, cognitive complexity, and a method to enhance our communication and decision-making
Bears Crossing at Yellowstone NP. Photo credit: RSC (my son)
During my recent camping adventures, I had an interesting reflection: often, we make more effort to understand animals than we do to understand people. Since moving to Colorado, I've learned a lot about bears and their behavior. Bears occasionally visit our neighborhood, and whenever my family and I camp in national parks where these animals also live, we enjoy observing them from a distance and analyzing how they interact with humans. We attend ranger talks and research how bears interact with people. As naturalist Daryl Dancer notes in a National Geographic article about this topic: "The better you know your neighbor, the better you get along." 🐻
In my previous article, I mentioned how cognitive complexity can enhance decision-making and leadership by allowing us to analyze problems from multiple angles. In this article I want to share a way to develop this skill to enrich our communication and empathy in professional and personal contexts. 🧠💭
During my communication studies, I discovered The Pillow Method (see figure), a tool described by Paul Reps in Square Sun Square Moon (1967). This method, created by Japanese children and further studied by interpersonal communications experts Adler & Proctor, teaches us to analyze an argument from five different perspectives:
I'm right, you're wrong
You're right, I'm wrong
Both right, both wrong
The issue isn't as important as it seems
There is truth in all perspectives
By considering each of these positions, we not only refine our analytical skills but also cultivate greater empathy. Changing our perspective-going from one position to another- can facilitate more open conversations, help us recognize the value in others' opinions, and find more effective collaborative solutions, that is, reaching the center of the pillow, where we will probably find truth in the different perspectives. 💡👥
Although I still see bears as adorable creatures because I associate them with my childhood stuffed animals, my perspective changed as I learned more about their behavior and habitat. My family and I have adjusted our practices to safely and respectfully coexist with these beautiful animals.
The next time you face a disagreement or a complex problem, I encourage you to apply The Pillow Method. You'll see how a simple shift in your approach can unlock new solutions and enhance your interactions. 🤝🌍
🔗 How do you apply cognitive complexity in your daily life? Share your experiences and reflections!
