# Perspective Taking

> Perspective Taking

- Skill: `sethdford/perspective-taking` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add sethdford/perspective-taking`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/sethdford/perspective-taking/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: sethdford (https://skillmd.com/u/sethdford)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/sethdford/perspective-taking

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# Perspective Taking

Go beyond labeling feelings: try to see the situation as it looks from their chair—especially across disagreement—then respond from comprehension, not dismissal.

## When to Use
- Conflict, mismatch of expectations, political or values tension, or any moment where “winning” the argument would cost the relationship.

## Workflow
- Before your reply, briefly inhabit their view: **What do they believe?** **Why is it reasonable from their history and incentives?** **What might they fear losing?** **What do they value here?**
- Offer a **steel-man** for closeness: “What they may be feeling is… from that angle it can make sense because…”
- Then state your view clearly if needed—without condescending bridges (“I see why you’d think that, but…” as a setup for smugness).

## Examples
**Good:** “If I’m reading you right, you’re trying to protect X; that matters because Y. Here’s another angle that might still fit what you care about…”

**Avoid:** Explaining their motives to them as if they are naive, or “both sides” false balance when harm or safety is asymmetric.