A former undercover would often refer to this concept – viewing the world through different lenses.  A significant part of Orientation, the big O in OODA.  

Probably oversimplifying this,  but basically the more lenses one has access to, the better the probability of generating an effective, efficient solution.  Lenses are connected to the diversity of life experiences, skill set, culture (national, ethnic, professional), and other factors.

If you ever get frustrated when someone gives you advice that doesn’t fully address a complex issue, an insufficient or inadequate set of lenses is probably at issue.  When they draw on a prior experience that doesn’t exactly fit yours.  A possible analogy here is a toolbox.  If you only have a hammer in it, you will hammer at everything, including situations which require another tool.

In the real world, this is part of the reason why religious institutions have such a difficult time with sexual assault / child molestation issues.  Yes, there are definitely many instances of cover-ups and malfeasance.   But I also think that this is due to lack of familiarity with justice and victims.  Christianity can focus quite a bit on forgiveness, grace – which can be misapplied to overemphasize the needs of the offender or perpetrator.  Sadly, I know quite a few instances of this phenomenon.

On a brighter and much more hopeful note, the possibility of combining lenses is exciting.  In a world that is increasingly based on overlapping cultures, professions, values, even necessary.

Also connected to leadership.  Before Ulysses S. Grant led the Union to victory, he had a series of professional and personal experiences, many of which weren’t stellar.   In many ways, however, those experiences and the skills, knowledge gained prepared him for his formidable role and task.

So read, travel, talk to people, watch stuff.  Just make sure it’s on a wide scale.