Welcome back to our Adaptability series!

1. Part One: We explored what adaptability means; being open to change, resilience and possessing solid emotional intelligence.
2. Part Two: We covered the importance of trusting your gut (intuition) and honouring emotions and boundaries.
3. Part Three: In this final part of our trilogy, we explore the importance of being open-minded; which enables openness to people who disagree with us and the validity of holding space for free discussion.

How can we embody being open-minded?

As our emotional intelligence increases as a species (an integral part of being adaptable), we must include open mindedness towards the ‘other’ viewpoint. If we’re to learn, up-level and stay fair in our mindset, it demands being respectful of those who don’t see things the way we do. By staying open-minded and engaged in alternate narratives, we allow ourselves and others permission to change their mind. It also provides lessons in learning to speak calmly and rationally as well as increasing our active listening. As the saying goes, ‘the science is never settled’ and the same is applicable to our identity, views, beliefs, attitudes, and projects. When we cling dogmatically to our beliefs, we contract instead of expand. If we take a lateral approach to observation, and an awareness mindset to the realities of cognitive bias, then we can get out of our own way and invite fresh perspectives.

Tips for being open-minded:

Practice Active Listening

‘But I already am a good listener!’ we’ve all said emphatically in self-righteous indignity. Indeed, perhaps you are. However, there’s always times we slip up or could improve in this area! It’s harder to embody adaptability when your sensory awareness is not properly engaged through listening skills. Active Listening is a style of listening in which the listener or receiver of information is highly engaged in retaining information and being incredibly clear on the knowledge they’re taking in. It’s an integral part of being open-minded as you’re ridding yourself of any ‘filtering’ and a bonus is the other person  feels more respected. A few features of practicing it are asking clarifying questions as the person relays information. Refraining from interrupting or passing judgement and body language that is aligned to the conversation (e.g smiling, nodding, upright alert posture).

Opportunity Presents

Ever had an amazing opportunity come to you? It’s likely because in that moment you made yourself a ‘yes person’ which is a huge part of being adaptable! It is also synonymous with being open-minded. Embodying a ‘yes person’ state of mind is intrinsically bound to being open minded, adaptable, and expands life in all areas. When opportunities come, we must grab them before they pass. This often involves swift decision making and is frequently a more feelings/emotional response rather than a mind/rationale response. How many magical life moments we receive when we say ‘yes’ to something and then learn how to do it after the commitment? So many! Being in this state of mind opens our mind, heart, and energy to the wonder of synchronicity and the innate novelty that life presents.

Becoming skilled at adaptability is a process and an intrinsic and extrinsic journey. It yields self-knowledge, can increase self-confidence and trust in our abilities as well as others, and is foundational to strong working relationships. Once we open ourselves up to this way of being, the leaps and bounds we can experience is exponential and ascends our soft skills tangibly at work and in regard to our sense of self.

Liked this article on being open-minded? Here’s some other useful reading from us…

• Responding to change and trusting your gut (Part 2)
• Being adaptable and open to change (Part 1)
• Key Account Management Workshop
• Good interpersonal skills can help you keep promises
• Communication Skills Open Program