However, my good friend, Ray Patchett, has taught me that this is the exact moment when you can be most effective by taking a moment to mentally step from the stage, where you are one of the players, into the balcony, where you can see the entire play unfold. This mental leap up into the cheap seats gives you a new perspective of the entire drama. You can see each of the players and the roles they have assumed, the audience (those affected by the outcome of the drama), the theater (the environment in which the play is taking place), the props (the theatrical devices that are part of the play to enhance the effect), and yourself.
When you make a mental move away from the argument to a vantage point that lets you perceive all of the parts, you can more effectively apply the concepts of the Diamond to your role. Although you cannot be responsible for how others will behave, you can be responsible for your performance.
You can practice this in situations at times when you are not an actor, but find yourself to be an engaged observer. Step back to see all of the parts that are being played. Hear the words that are being used that attempt to make each player's points. And, think more clearly about how vision, ethics, reality and courage help to create a space for greatness.
