Try framing alternative viewpoints as enhancements to current plans rather than complete changes. This approach reduces defensiveness. Also you can use data or examples from similar successful situations to back your suggestions, shifting the focus from opinion to evidence. Additionally, ask open-ended questions like, “What could we improve in this plan?” This invites exploration without direct confrontation, helping the team lead feel more comfortable considering new ideas. Lastly, use creative brainstorming facilitation tools like Six Thinking Hats.

As other contributions have pointed out, detailing the alternative view and providing concrete examples is one way of encouraging open-minded decision-making. In my experience on the JET Program, I wanted to ask the supervisor from the Board of Education to reconsider how often we hold the observation of lesson by other Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs). I put together an A4 page document outlining the rationale, incorporating input and opinions from other ALTs. After distributing the document during our monthly meeting, I briefly summarised the main points. A few days later, the supervisor sent an email to all ALTs agreeing to my proposal and announcing the new format.

If your team lead is resistant to alternative viewpoints, social proof can be a powerful way to encourage open-minded decision-making. People are often hesitant to change if they don’t see immediate benefits. Try sharing real-life examples of organisations (competitors or organisations that your team respects are strong motivators) that embraced new approaches and experienced positive outcomes. Highlighting these success stories not only shows but proves to your team the value of being open-minded. As humans, we don’t like to feel left behind, and seeing others benefit can be the nudge they need to consider alternative perspectives.

Según mi experiencia, lo más efectivo es presentar datos que respalden las propuestas y explorar posibles fallos de la decisión actual. Esto abre la conversación a otras ideas sin desafiar su autoridad. Siempre invitando a que todos los miembros compartan sus opiniones, asegurando un debate más colaborativo.

Try focusing on creating a space for data-driven discussions and collaborative problem-solving. First, I encourage team members to present their ideas with clear, evidence-based reasoning, which can shift the focus from opinions to objective analysis. Additionally, posing questions rather than challenging directly can invite reflection, nudging the conversation towards openness without creating defensiveness. Lastly, offering positive reinforcement when flexibility is shown—even in small ways—can reinforce open-mindedness as a valuable team trait. Creating a culture of curiosity and respect helps lay the foundation for more inclusive decision-making in the long run.