We’re excited to launch a 3-part series on Perception, leading up to something special—our online Perception Camp with my father “Michael Grinder” and I!

You might be wondering: Why focus on perception? Isn’t that something you either have or you don’t?

Well, think about people with great “gut instincts”—those who just know things. They see what others miss, often before anyone else does. When asked how, they’ll say, “I don’t know, I just feel it.”
Here’s the exciting part: those instincts can be developed. We call them Perception—and yes, you can increase yours.

Part 1 of 3: The Individual

Did you know we all encounter 4 types of social situations? The first step to sharpening your perception is identifying:
-What social situation are you looking at?
–An individual? A pair? A group (3+ people = group dynamics)? Or a system?
-What are you looking for?
Each type has its own guiding questions—and that’s where the magic of Perception Camp really begins. This month in The GrinderLens, we’re focusing on The Individual.

Start small. Choose someone to observe—maybe a family member, coworker, or even a stranger (like the one sitting next to me on this flight). Then ask yourself:

What motivates them?
What do they believe?
What do they value?
What filters their view of the world?

You might wonder, How can I know that about a stranger? Hang in there. With practice, you’ll start to see more and know more.
The most important follow-up to each answer is:
“What did I see or hear that led me to this conclusion?”
This builds evidence-based perception. Write it down. Track your thinking. You’ll be amazed by your progress.’

Why Does Perception Matter?

Because when people feel truly seen and accepted, your permission with them skyrockets. And that changes everything

Until next time,

Krista Grinder-Dettloff