On several occasions, I was told to attend `tough' meetings or deal with a `tough' client due to my ease with cross-cultural interactions. My bosses recognised this and sent me in as `collaborator'. I attribute this ability to my early life experience where I brought only `myself' and exchanged knowledge, sometimes without a common language. I `listened', learned to read expressions, understand `stillness' and the importance of humility. You don't have to go to these countries to stimulate your `perception'. There are simple steps to start the process towards deeper `perception'. `Perception' is an active process that is within our control. However, it is up to the individual to activate it. So, take a morning off. Leave your iPhones, iPods and Blackberrys behind. Take a walk in the nearest jungle, park or even your garden, perhaps barefoot. Spend some time perceiving - seeing, listening and feeling. Give your brain time to filter out unwanted `noise' and `tune in'. You should arrive at a deeper level of `awareness'. What did you gather from it? Use this process of perceiving in your next meeting, discussion or presentation.