This is a good place to start the ‘Plugged in’ blog as we look to draw upon our perception(s) & perspective(s) of the world of WI-Fi and data cabling. We will reflect on our knowledge, experiences, predictions, best practices (I could go on) as well as asking others within our industry on their thoughts and insights. We believe this will help us @Wi-Fix Networks to consolidate our knowledge and learn new things whilst we get to share our insights with others.
In our daily lives, the way we interpret the world is shaped by two powerful forces: perception and perspective. Though often used interchangeably, these terms have distinct meanings that influence our thoughts, actions, and interactions. Understanding the difference can help us become more mindful and open-minded individuals.
What is Perception?
Perception is the process by which we take in sensory information and interpret it. It is how we experience the world through sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell. Perception is influenced by our biology, past experiences, and immediate environment. It’s a personal and often subconscious response to stimuli.
For example: Two IT professionals may perceive network connectivity differently and have different opinions on which is the best solution based on their previous experiences with network performances, budgets and technological advancements etc. One professional may believe structured cabling and a hard wired solution to be essential and the gold standard for brilliant network solution. Therefore, they will see the extra cost of materials and infrastructure to be a very good long-term investment. On the other hand, the other professional may see Wi-Fi as more than capable and reliant to handle the network alone, given the quality of the hardware and Wi-Fi design available today. Therefore, they may see spending extra money to also have network points in the building as a waste of money. Maybe a future post will explore my perception on this matter!
What is Perspective?
Perspective, on the other hand, refers to our point of view—the lens through which we interpret the world. It is shaped by our beliefs, values, culture, and experiences. Perspective is more about how we think and the mental framework we use to understand situations, people, and ideas.
Bringing it back to the Wi-Fi example. One It professional sees structured cabling as a must as their previous experience with a wireless solutions caused them issues, even though, these issues could have been caused by other factors, their view might be that Wi-Fi alone is not reliant enough to handle all clients on their network. In contrast, an professional who has managed successful wireless deployments may see cabling as an outdated constraint. Their perspectives influence how they approach infrastructure planning.
How Perception and Perspective Interact
Perception and perspective are deeply intertwined. Perception provides the raw data, while perspective shapes how we make sense of that data. Our perspectives can also alter our perceptions. If someone believes that Wi-Fi networks are inherently unreliable (perspective), they may perceive any minor connection issue as proof of that belief, even when the cause may be unrelated.
Shifting Perspective to Improve Perception
Being aware of our own biases and assumptions can help us reshape our perspectives and, in turn, alter our perceptions for the better. Some ways to develop a more open perspective include:
- Engaging in diverse conversations – Exposing ourselves to different viewpoints can broaden our understanding.
- Practicing mindfulness – Becoming aware of how we perceive situations can help us separate instinct from reality.
- Embracing curiosity – Questioning our own perspectives can lead to deeper insight and empathy.
Final Thoughts
While perception is about how we take in the world, perspective is about how we interpret and respond to it. By understanding the distinction, we can make more conscious choices in our personal and social lives. Being mindful of both helps us foster better relationships, communicate more effectively, and navigate the world with greater awareness and understanding.
How do perception and perspective shape your experiences in the Wi-Fi and data cabling industry? Share your thoughts in the comments below
