---
title: "Allow Time for Perspective Shifts"
source: "https://virtualddd.com/heuristics/allow-time-for-perspective-shifts/"
authors: ["Michael Plöd", "Beija Nigl", "Kenny Schwegler", "Andrea Magnorsky", "Andrew Harmel-Law"]
tags: ["sociotechnical systems", "deep democracy", "collaborative modelling", "facilitating software architecture and design", "psychological safety"]
type: "guiding heuristics"
question: "How should one manage expectations regarding the speed at which individuals adopt new perspectives or accept change?"
submitter: "Michael Plöd"
---

# Allow Time for Perspective Shifts

Recognise that shifting deeply held perspectives, especially when it implies past decisions were suboptimal, requires significant time and patience. Avoid forcing the issue; allow individuals space to process and come to their own conclusions. Stressing people will not accelerate genuine acceptance.

## Examples

After a challenging conversation, give a resistant stakeholder a week or two to reflect on new information rather than demanding immediate agreement or action.