Open Minded.
What does that mean?
Well, let’s take a look at what its not.
One such statement that I’ve heard repeatedly in a previous work environment is “we’ve always done it that way”.
This is a tell tale sign that the organization or business is not open in exploring how things can be done more efficiently, targeted or even how operations can be more organized.
“We’ve always done it that way” is a rebuke to new ideas, innovation and even the mask of resistance showing up from the top down.
For a person or business to be open minded, this takes on an opportunity for growth and expansion by looking at what they are doing and the information they are operating from and they allow for new ideas to surface.
When you take a step away from your own tightly held beliefs and become an active listener when you’re learning a new skill or engaging in changing something in your life, you free yourself from being chained down by ideas that may not serve you anymore.
Your mind expands. You can freely take in new ideas and information.
When new ideas are in direct conflict with your strictly held beliefs, you become conflicted and your inner voice shouts at you “beware!” “Danger!”
New information isn’t scary and don’t let your mind fool you.
Quiet your inner critic and accommodate this new information into your worldview rather than dismissing it because it can’t be easily filed away.
Now, your desire in learning something new or a new way of doing things outweighs your need to be right or hold on to a set of beliefs just because.
Being open minded requires humility in knowing you don’t know all there is to know about a topic even though you believe yourself to be well versed and informed.
You’ll benefit and have more desired personal growth when you can be ready to receive what others may share.
You can reach those you’re serving too on a deeper level when you give space and a listening ear.
You’lll learn something new. A new skill perhaps?
Leaning into learning more about what makes you tick will also give you insights into how you can show up for your clients in a new way.
Empathizing with your client’s point of view can give you understanding of where he or she is coming from and can help you reach your client in a more meaningful way.
Wanting to expand on and explore what you and your business has to offer this world?
Schedule a Uniting Call with me so we can see if its the right fight for you:
Four Paws & You Dog Training 