Are you open to new ideas and alternative perspectives?
One of the biggest challenges for many leaders is seeing things from another point of view. This is disadvantageous both to our personal growth and also the success of our organization. I know that it’s human nature to resist new information. In fact, there’s data suggesting that the human brain won’t entertain new ideas until it has received them from 3 different sources! But this is not an excuse for us to be closed-minded.
We do ourselves, our team, and our organization a great service when we are open to alternative thoughts and diverse perspectives. If you don’t believe me, I would ask you to think back to when you were not in leadership and you were bringing ideas to your leader. Were they receptive? If so, how much better did it make the organization? If not, how long did it take for you to feel vindicated when someone else convinced them to try it your way and it worked?
Here’s the reality. If you are in a position of leadership, then the odds are VERY good that you have a great deal of experience. That experience is both a blessing and a curse. It is a blessing because it allows you to have a 6th sense about many of the things that you face on a daily basis. But, it is a curse when it prohibits you from seeing value in other’s ideas.
Therefore, we as leaders absolutely MUST be diligent to remain open, receptive, and encouraging of alterative thoughts and ideas. I’m not saying that we should act on every single piece of advise we receive. Not only would we be going in circles but not all advice is good. What I am saying is that we should recognize that the way we see it is NOT the ONLY way that is “right”.
As we engage with our staff, this week, let’s lead well and let’s be contentious about being open, receptive, and encouraging toward new ideas!
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