Perspective is one of the most powerful tools a person can develop. It influences the way we think, act, and interact with the world around us. Gaining perspective allows us to see beyond our immediate experiences and understand how different elements connect, making us more confident, adaptable, and effective in everything we do.
For young people, perspective can be a game-changer. It helps them understand their role in the world, see opportunities they never knew existed, and build confidence in their decisions. For adults, perspective continues to shape career paths, relationships, and personal growth. The more we broaden our perspectives, the more capable and successful we become.
Perspective Builds Confidence
One of the greatest benefits of perspective is the confidence it creates. When you understand how things work—whether it’s a business, a team, or an industry—you can navigate challenges with clarity instead of fear. Confidence isn’t just about believing in yourself; it’s about knowing where you fit and how your contributions matter.
If we take business as an example, gaining perspective is incredibly powerful. Understanding how a company operates as a whole allows individuals to see where they can fit in, how they can add the most value, and ensure they do not create problems for other individuals or departments. When employees or entrepreneurs develop this awareness, they feel more secure in their contributions, making them more effective and fulfilled in their work. With this perspective, they can align their efforts with the company’s larger goals, communicate more effectively with colleagues, and make decisions that benefit both themselves and the organization.
The Many Dimensions of Perspective
Perspective isn’t just about gaining knowledge—it’s about understanding different angles. Here are a few ways perspective shapes success:
Business Perspective – Seeing how a company operates as a whole allows employees and entrepreneurs to find their place, contribute meaningfully, and ensure they aren’t unintentionally creating challenges for other departments. It also helps them identify where they can add the most value.
Cultural Perspective – Experiencing different work environments, such as an innovative and engaging workplace, helps people recognize what a thriving culture looks like. This insight can shape how they build their own business or what they look for in future employers.
Decision-Making Perspective – Understanding how different stakeholders view a decision allows for better choices. A leader who can anticipate how their choices impact employees, customers, and investors will be more successful than someone who only sees their own point of view.
Personal Perspective – Seeing how others have overcome challenges helps build resilience. When young people meet successful entrepreneurs, they gain insight into the journey rather than just the destination, making their own goals feel more achievable.
A Real-World Example: Meeting a Dragon
Recently, a group of BizKids had the unique opportunity to pitch their businesses to Brian Scudamore, the founder of O2E Brands and 1-800-GOT-JUNK?. This experience was transformative, not just because they met a Canadian business icon, but because they gained powerful perspectives:
They saw what a thriving, positive work culture looks like firsthand.
They learned how an experienced entrepreneur thinks, makes decisions, and provides feedback.
They met other young entrepreneurs and, in some cases, ended up doing business together.
They realized that successful people are approachable and willing to share their knowledge.
By seeing a successful business in action and interacting with a well-known entrepreneur, these kids developed a clearer picture of what’s possible for their own futures. The experience gave them confidence and a new perspective on business, leadership, and success.
How to Develop Perspective at Any Age
Gaining perspective isn’t just for young people—it’s a lifelong process. Here are some ways to expand your perspective:
Ask Questions – Don’t just accept things at face value. Ask why things work the way they do and how different people experience them.
Expose Yourself to New Experiences – Visit different workplaces, industries, and communities to see how other people operate.
Engage with Different Perspectives – Talk to people from different backgrounds, industries, and age groups. Their experiences will shape your understanding in ways you never expected.
Learn from Mentors – Seek out those who have more experience and learn from their journey.
Embrace Change – The more adaptable you are, the easier it is to see things from multiple angles.
Perspective is a skill that can be developed, and once you have it, you’ll find that challenges seem less daunting, opportunities become clearer, and your confidence will soar. Whether you’re a young entrepreneur, an established business owner, or someone simply looking to grow, gaining perspective will unlock new levels of success and fulfillment.
