“Radical open-mindedness and radical transparency are invaluable for rapid learning and effective change.” ~Ray Dalio
Do you have all the answers all the time? Do you feel the constant need to be right? Are you willing to legitimately consider the opinions and inputs of others when they conflict with your own? Do you fear performance evaluations and critiquing from others?
These are just a few questions that will help you determine whether you have an open or closed mindset.
So many people are afraid of feedback and criticism. They take it extremely personally and look at anyone suggesting ways they can improve as a knock on their value as a person.
It’s simply not true – receiving true feedback is a gift.
Without the truth, how can we do our best work?
Without the feedback, how will we be able to grow and progress in our careers?
Without being open, how can we impact others as well as we need to?
I’ve had periods of my life where I was extremely closed-minded. I didn’t want to show vulnerability and I actively managed the impressions everyone had of me so I could show them I had everything figured out, even when I didn’t. I even fooled myself into thinking I was open-minded!
Then I had a 360-degree review and got feedback from a dozen people in my organization that worked closely with me. The feedback was anonymous – leaders, peers, and direct reports. I learned that even though I thought I was leading well and asking for feedback from others.
The truth was, I asked for it but I didn’t truly listen to them. I cut people off. I didn’t legitimately take other opinions into account. I pretended to care and then I just did what I wanted to do.
After that review, I finally recognized the need to change, and I’ve been committed to making progress ever since. I’m not perfect, but I’m trying to be more open to the input and feedback of others.
I see feedback as a gift.
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