Years ago, I heard T.D. Jakes share a powerful analogy: the giraffe and the turtle can occupy the same land but have very different perspectives.
This resonated deeply with me, as I’ve often struggled to communicate what seems clear in my mind to those close to me.
In understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the gift of me, one thing has been clear. I have a strategic visionary gifting. I see the big picture. I see patterns. However, expressing that vision has been a challenge on many levels for decades.
So when I heard this idea it brought a lot of peace. Just because someone is near me does not mean they have the same view that I do. How do we communicate and build as both perceptions are needed?
In thinking through a giraffe and turtle communicating, I saw some nuances.
- A giraffe has the ability to bend down to see things from the turtle perspective.
- However, the turtle cannot physically see the giraffe’s view.
This reminds me of the Chinese proverb: if you see a turtle on a fence post, you know it had help getting there. There is an inherent challenge for the turtle that the giraffe does not have if the turtle wants to see the giraffe’s perspective. The courage of the turtle is real—it must rely on trust to experience the world from the giraffe’s viewpoint.
I’m reminded of the importance of recognizing and respecting different perspectives in our personal and professional relationships. As someone who often sees the bigger picture, I’ve learned that it’s essential to help others understand that view while acknowledging that not everyone will share it naturally.
It takes patience, trust, and sometimes a little extra help to bridge the gap between visionary thinking and grounded practicality. Both perspectives are essential, and when they come together, they create a fuller, more dynamic understanding of the world. Where in your life are you a giraffe? And where are you a turtle?
