"O" is for Open-Mindedness

 

When was the last time you truly listened to a perspective different from your own?

As leaders and teachers, our role is to listen to understand, not simply to respond. I often remind myself of this truth with a saying: "We were born with two ears and one mouth, so G-d wants us to listen twice as much as we speak!" Open-mindedness is at the heart of effective leadership. It requires us to stay calm and present, even when we’re confronted with perspectives that challenge our own. Our task, as leaders, is to "bridge the gap" between differing viewpoints to create understanding and connection.

Recently, I worked with a group of teachers grappling with a contentious topic that sparked strong emotions on all sides. Leading a group through this kind of conflict requires more than just keeping an open mind; it means helping others do the same. How do we achieve this? By listening intently—not to prove a point, but to find common ground. As I facilitated the discussion, I focused on identifying areas of agreement and reflecting those back to the group. These small but shared connections became the foundation for bridging divides and fostering collaboration.

As I write in my book draft, "It’s humbling to make mistakes together and problem-solve side by side. When we approach challenges with curiosity instead of judgment, we create space for growth—not just for others, but for ourselves." This philosophy has guided me time and again: when we lead with open-mindedness, we open the door to greater understanding and meaningful progress.

The Role of Open-Mindedness in Leadership and Mentoring

Relationships are at the center of everything we do as leaders, mentors, and teachers. Building trust with the people we work alongside is essential. It’s often the small, consistent actions that make the biggest difference. Taking the time to connect at every step strengthens trust and lays the foundation for open communication.

There’s a story I’ve come across in many leadership books that compares people to jars or piggy banks. Each time we connect with someone or build our relationship, we add a marble or coin to their jar. Sometimes, we need to make withdrawals—like asking for a favor or addressing a difficult situation—but the key is never to break the jar. Once trust is broken, it’s nearly impossible to repair, and along with it, the openness and willingness to share are often lost.

As leaders and mentors, we must learn alongside our mentees, inviting them to share their input and ideas. By listening actively and asking thoughtful questions, we not only keep our own minds open but also encourage them to do the same. I remember working with a new art teacher who introduced me to an approach called TAB (Teaching for Artistic Behavior). At the time, I had never heard of it (apparently, it’s been around for a while!), but she asked if I’d be open to her using the method.

Right from the start, I made it a point to ask questions and support her as she implemented TAB in her classroom. Admittedly, it was a challenge for me to step back from more traditional teaching methods. But the results were astounding. Watching her flourish and seeing the impact this approach had on her students made me proud—not only of her work but also of the trust and openness we cultivated together.

For me, servant leadership is the pinnacle of open-mindedness. Supporting others and learning alongside them models the kind of openness we hope to foster. It also empowers mentees to stay curious and receptive to new ideas, all while strengthening the relationship between mentor and mentee. When we lead with open-mindedness, we create a space where innovation and collaboration can thrive.

Open-Mindedness in Action

What are some strategies to help us stay as open-minded as possible? This is no easy task. In my research on expert judgments, I found that humans are wired to make judgments at every step of the way. Think about it: as you read this post, you’re probably making judgments about me or the ideas I’m sharing. When you watch a commercial, you immediately decide whether or not you need the product being advertised. Judgments are a natural part of being human.

But here’s the challenge: we hear people say, "It is what it is," yet I encourage you to consider, "It is what we MAKE of it." While we cannot always control what others say or do, we can absolutely control how we react—and that requires an open mind.

One strategy that has been transformational for me is listening without judgment. It’s a skill that takes time to develop, but it’s one of the most powerful tools for fostering open-mindedness. The next time you’re in a conversation—whether with a group or a close friend—try this: instead of responding immediately, ask questions. For example, you might ask, "Can you tell me more about that?" or "What led you to that perspective?"

You’ll be amazed at how the conversation shifts. The other person will feel heard and valued, and you’ll likely gain insights that help you understand their perspective more deeply. This is especially effective when different viewpoints are present. By asking questions, you’re not only demonstrating curiosity and respect, but you’re also uncovering common ground that can begin to close the gap between perspectives.

When we approach conversations with curiosity instead of judgment, we build connections and create opportunities for growth—both for ourselves and for others. Open-mindedness isn’t just about being willing to listen; it’s about seeking to understand and embracing the possibilities that come from collaboration.

The Ripple Effect of Open-Mindedness

When we remain open-minded, the impact goes far beyond the immediate moment—we create a ripple effect. This is where I like to introduce what I call the "Larger Classroom Model." The idea is simple: our actions and attitudes inadvertently affect others, who then carry those influences into their own spaces. When we stay positive and open-minded, we influence our mentees, who in turn apply what we discuss and pass it on to their students. The cycle of impact continues, expanding like ripples in a pond.

Remaining open to ideas and perspectives does not just encourage collaboration—it fosters creativity. Over time, a culture of openness can transform an entire district, department, building, or organization. I’ve seen this firsthand.

There was a time when we hosted an event that didn’t go as well as we had hoped. The turnout was lower than expected, and our team was feeling disappointed. Afterward, we regrouped. I started by asking everyone how they felt about the event and encouraged them to highlight the positives, even with the letdown. Then, I invited the team to brainstorm ideas to enhance the event for the following year.

I have to admit—some of the suggestions were completely outside the box! But that’s the beauty of open-mindedness. As we "threw ideas at the board," we began to narrow them down together. By the end of the session, we had a solid plan that everyone was invested in. The following year, thanks to this collaborative and open-minded process, we had a clear path forward—and the results were a huge success.

This experience taught me that staying open to all ideas, no matter how unconventional they might seem at first, can lead to incredible outcomes. By modeling openness, we set the tone for resilience and creativity in our teams. When people feel their voices are heard and valued, they’re more likely to contribute meaningfully, and that sense of ownership spreads, creating a lasting impact.

Call to Action

As I wrap up this post, I’d like to leave you with a few ideas to reflect on and put into practice:

1. How can I be more open-minded in my relationships and work today? Start a conversation with curiosity. Listen to understand rather than to respond. Ask questions to dig deeper and show genuine interest. Even repeat what the other person says to ensure they feel heard and valued.

2. How can I shift from "It is what it is" to "It is what we MAKE of it?" Remember, while we cannot control others, we always have control over ourselves—our actions, our words, and our attitudes. Choose kindness, empathy, and humility. These qualities will support open-mindedness in every area where we lead.

When we choose open-mindedness, we create opportunities to learn, connect, and grow—both for ourselves and for those around us. Every word, every action, and every moment matters. By removing judgments from our thinking, we make space for creativity, collaboration, and understanding.

So, what will you MAKE of today? The choice is yours. Let’s choose open-mindedness and create a world where every moment becomes an opportunity to grow and thrive—together.