In collaboration, the big question isn’t “Who’s right?” — it’s “How do we get it right?” I learned that lesson in the unlikeliest of places: a crowded lecture hall in my first year of university.

In my very first Psych 101 class, I learned a lesson that has shaped how I approach leadership ever since.

That day, our professor flashed a famous optical illusion on the screen and asked:

“What do you see — a young woman or an old woman?”

The room split perfectly in half. Each side was convinced they were right.

That moment shaped how I approach leadership. Same image. Same facts. Completely different interpretations.

In business, that’s every meeting, project, and strategy session. The facts may be the same, but perspectives vary wildly. And here’s the thing — those differences are pure gold if you know how to use them.

It’s why in my coaching work, I help leaders develop the skills to turn different viewpoints into better decisions, stronger buy-in, and more innovative solutions. Because when you build a culture where curiosity wins over ego, you don’t just get along better — you get it right.

Question for you:

When has another perspective helped you find a better answer than the one you started with?