To be a better leader 7 things create a culture of open mindedness.

Everyone has an opinion, and those opinions can be very unpopular during these polarized times.

Compliments of social media, anyone can express their opinion and illicit immediate reaction.

When large companies start to define what constitutes “free speech” we are drifting in a dangerous direction.

When individuals with far too much free time coordinate attacks on people that express dissenting ideas, productive conversation is replaced with intimidation.

Big business should never be the arbiters of morality, especially when politics and money are involved.? Motive is always questionable when power becomes the ultimate aphrodisiac.

The problem with most opinions, they are expressed in a way that conveys absolute certainty.? People aren’t interested in your opinion; they simply want to assert their own.

This slippery slope becomes especially dangerous when leaders create the impression of intolerance to opposing viewpoints.

A dangerous discourse has been swelling across America for many years, and everyone should be concerned.

Expressing opinions is one thing, being opinionated is different.

Corporate America has now joined the chorus of what constitutes acceptable opinions.? The problem, opposing opinions are strongly discouraged and often result in severe consequences.

That’s not an environment conducive to personal safety.? When anyone feels uncomfortable speaking up, your organization has already failed.

Real change never happens in a vacuum, no matter how accurate certain people believe their opinions are.

So how do we encourage open communication and create an atmosphere where all “opinions” are welcome?

“Try being informed instead of just opinionated.”

Here are 7 ways leaders can encourage opinions without creating an atmosphere of intimidation: ??

Facts

Most organizations have been making massive policy changes based on theories and the perception of being virtuous.? When sudden changes are made in response to cultural changes, be suspicious.? When leaders care about issues ingrained in their DNA, they don’t need modify hiring practices to accommodate popular opinion.? In addition, they get their facts straight and operate from a place of reliable information, not speculation, political pressure, or coercion.? Most people form opinions based on erroneous ideas.? Let’s stick to the facts and make wise decisions based on principles of importance.

Definitive

Most people are vague when they argue about their opinions.? Their ideas are based on biased news stories or academic ideas rooted in prejudice and politics.? We need to encourage our teams to support their ideas with concrete evidence.? In addition, communicating in a way that doesn’t create the impression we have all the answers is essential.? Avoiding words like always and never make it clear we are open to constructive conversation.???

Conviction

It’s ok to own our opinion and be passionate about our beliefs.? However, many people escalate when they express their opinions and fail to “communicate” respectfully.? Having conviction is great.? Raising our voice and being defiant creates a culture of resistance.? Great leaders set the tone by being firm but loving.

Question

It’s important to have a conversation, not recite our thoughts and close the loop on open discussion.? We need to stimulate a dialogue based on vulnerability and the trust that coincides with feeling safe.? If people don’t feel safe, they remain silent, and that isn’t good for any organization.? If people don’t feel comfortable asking questions, it’s assumed there’s no room for alternative viewpoints. ??

“Your?opinion?is not my reality.”

Eye contact

Many people communicate poorly and that’s especially evident when tension gets high.? Body language and eye contact suffer when people feel threatened.? We need to work hard to show respect and exhibit genuine interest even when we disagree.? Our nonverbal communication can tell a very compelling story.

Encourage

Great leaders establish an atmosphere of trust and open communication, and they encourage feedback.? All feedback!? When people have strong opinions it’s easy to allow our ego to take control.? When we do the atmosphere changes and people feel discouraged to speak up.? Great leaders mitigate the effects of an over energized ego.?

Listen

Finally, we need to listen to understand.? Most people believe they listen well.? Unfortunately, all the research shows over 85% of us don’t.? Listening better is a skill that needs to be refined daily.? It takes practice and it involved learning to speak less and listen more.? When it’s clear we are listening, we gain respect, impact, and credibility.??

“Opinion is the medium between knowledge and ignorance.”-?Plato

Sum it up.

Any other suggestions for creating an environment that encourages different opinions? ?Share your thoughts in the comments section and please like and share this article. I love learning from you as well.

About Steve:

Steve Wohlenhaus is CEO of Weatherology, the leading company in the world at disseminating audio weather information.?? Steve began his career as a major market television weather anchor in Minneapolis, where he received several Emmy Awards for science programming.? Steve is an author and host of the