Open to Being Open?
I had a conversation with a colleague today about the importance of being open to others’ ideas. He was concerned that too many people aren’t willing to share their ideas and this is getting in the way of having true dialogue present. So, we discussed how come people aren’t willing to share – what gets in their way. Are they worried about failing? Are they concerned their idea will be shot down or laughed at? Are they waiting for someone else to speak up? What gets in the way of sharing ideas?
Perhaps it’s all of the above. Perhaps we’ve learned to just ‘do’ rather than ideate and share those ideas? Perhaps we were shot down when we shared an idea or we saw someone else being shot down so we decided it wasn’t worth it. Perhaps we’ve been conditioned to believe that sharing isn’t worth the risk. To me, all of these reasons are disappointing. We need to share ideas, because without sharing ideas, thoughts, and inspirations we will be selling ourselves short. However, it's more than just sharing ideas - we also need to be open to hear others ideas.
To me, being open incudes 2 sides of the same coin. Being open means being willing to openly share your ideas before they’re well thought out, while you’re still visioning and open to hearing how the idea could be made even better. Being open is about speaking out and voicing one’s adventurous thoughts as we imagine the future. AND it is also about being open to hear other perspectives, demonstrating that one is listening and receptive to new ideas and bold concepts. Listening is the key point hear – active listening. We can all tell when someone is truly open to listen to us and truly listening or when they’ve made a judgment and can’t wait to take their turn at talking.
Perhaps you love to share your ideas, but are you as open to hear someone else’s? Perhaps you’re a great listener and you’ll openly listen to anyone’s thoughts, but are you not as free with sharing what you’re thinking. When it comes to being open there are a few skills that come into play. So, are you truly being open or could you make some improvements? Are you open to being more open? If not, what’s getting in your way?
Love this post Becca. Sometimes it just comes down to the courage to lead. Whether you are generating and sharing your idea with courage or listening and supporting someone else as their idea is evolving.
Challenging myself and others to reach their full potential
8 年I agree, Holly, that past experiences tend to shape how willing we are to share and whether or not we think our ideas will be welcomed. I'm just challenging myself to keep trying and to keep sharing ideas even if others don't appear interested or even shut me down. Why not, it doesn't hurt to keep putting ideas out there...eventually the roadblock may be removed anyway.
Realtor Assistant- JGRE
8 年Environment plays a key role here. How has those in the group and how they have welcomed ideas in the past. Past experience is the hindrance for most to share and to be open.
Business Development Executive at TCG Network Services | Boston's Managed IT Services Provider
8 年I am working on becoming more tolerant in my professional development.