Open-Mindedness, how open are you in conversations? Read about the impact open-mindedness can have on your conversations whether it’s personally or professionally.
Open-mindedness and Communication
Have you ever been in a conversation with someone who had their mind made up on your conversation before you could get a word in? How did that make you feel? Did you feel like you were truly part of the conversation and communication process-or just the receiver of someone elses “communication”?
What about when someone in your family, friends or office has a new idea to a problem, and before they can share their idea-it’s shut down? Ever been a part or witnessed that?
It’s not fun for the participant or those that witness it. It leaves a bad taste in everyone’s mouth, recognizing everyone now knows who they CAN’T share ideas with-because they won’t be heard. As well as it creates an environment where individuals will most likely avoid a conversation with that person, if possible.
What if that person everyone avoided was you? Would that upset you, would you want to turn that around?
Good news is, whether you are very open minded in your communication, or not-each of us can always improve that process just being being mindful of our openness or lack there of. The more we are mindful of this open-ness, the more we will strengthen our ability to use this skill, whenever we want!
Open mindedness is a critical part of the communication process. As it shows those around you that you are open to receiving communication from them and that you are open to talking about whatever the person wants to discuss.
When your more open minded in your communication process, people are often drawn to talking with you, subconsciously recognizing that you don’t judge them-which then leaves them feeling good about the interaction!
According to https://www.thebalancecareers.com/communication-skills-list-2063779
Open-mindedness in communication is one of the top 10 skills needed in the workplace. How important do you think open mindedness in communication is in the workplace?
How could being mindful of this open mindedness help your workplace? How would it help your co-worker to get a promotion? How could it help one of your leaders to develop new ideas and products for your company?
Open mindedness all stems from an ability to recognize that the person your talking with has ideas and ways to contribute and share-every individual in our world has value. Sometimes we have to slow down and recognize that although we might be busy, although we might already have a plan in our head-others have value and might have a different plan that could help. But we have to be open minded enough to be in and present in the conversation.
Communication Challenge: Next time you are in a conversation where someone is sharing a different perspective or new idea. Slow down, to recognize what you value in that individual, and how this new thought, idea or perspective might be something to just consider. It doesn’t mean you have to agree, accept or do anything, but just being aware of your blossoming open-mindedness is key.
Want more?
Make sure to check out our membership or one of our online classes! Introduction to Motivational Interviewing is a great place to start by learning the basics!
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