The Outside Observer

There is often a distinct advantage
To seeing the world
Through eyes other than our own.
An outside observer,
Someone willing to listen
To our plans and ideas,
But not otherwise involved
In what we are doing,
Can often see aspects of our projects
We never considered.
They have the benefit of
Having a different perspective
From which to view
The circumstances we face.
They can often see
Possibilities we never imagined,
Or potential challenges
We might have overlooked.
This person tends to help us
Clarify our thinking,
And focus our efforts.
Ideally the outside observer
Will not be subject to
The same prejudices as us,
Or the same rules about
What can and can’t be done.
Their contribution to us
Is the insight they provide
That is different than our own.