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When Growth Is Diffi cult

all of your experiences, knowledge, and ways of thinking about the
world, and you internalize your ideas about what you perceive. When
considering the revenue report, you may be optimistic or pessimistic.
You may decide the information is valid or suspect. You may take it at
face value or wish to apply statistical analysis to the data. All of these
are decisions of interpretation, as you answer the question “What does
this mean to me?”
As you can see from this simple example, the fi ve building blocks
of reality are as interconnected as they are separate. The information
stands alone, yet it is part of the situation; your approach and the
pressures you face exist in advance, yet they’re infl uenced by both
your beliefs and your interpretation. Each of the building blocks of

your reality is influenced by the others, especially those closest to it.

Discuss What You’re Discussing
Figure 6.3 shows an enlargement of an interaction between two peo-
ple, complete with the building blocks for each. When we add another
person who is reviewing the same company revenue presentation you

FIGURE 6.3 Sample interaction in terms of the fi ve building
blocks of reality

“Other” “It” “You”

Information
Other’s Beliefs
Other’s Situation
Other’s Approach
Other’s Interpretation

135 Your Situation Your Interpretation Your Approach Your Beliefs