The Best Leaders Keep an Open Mind

mindsetWe often think of great leaders as having the conviction of their beliefs—they’re not pushovers. But the most successful leaders actually show a willingness to be persuaded. How can you do this, particularly on issues where you’re not objective?

  • Keep getting information from many sources: Too often we receive information from sources that only reinforce our views. It is important to get information from other sources and points of view. The more points of view you can be exposed to the better your decisions will be.
  • Keep your hand on the dial: When debating a decision, envision turning a dial: all the way to the right represents absolute certainty, and all the way to the left signifies none.
  • Recall a moment of opacity: when you couldn’t see a situation clearly, or when something you were so sure was right turned out to be wrong. Whenever you’re feeling overly confident, remind yourself of that moment, and seek counsel.
  • Kill your darlings: It can be tough to change your mind about long-held beliefs. But the quicker you acknowledge that an idea (even a beloved one) is unworkable, the sooner you’ll move on to the right course of action.