Doug Morton
Jul 10, 2017 · 2 min read

Only a thick set Luddite would argue against open mindedness. So here goes. There are times when an unshakable vision is necessary to create disruptive change. Here the leader needs to remain true to a clear set of guiding values and principles often resisting the perfectly reasonable and many varied requests for a different approach. Just as often this close minded leader may be responsible for change in an environment where alternative close mindedness exists. And then there is the single minded individual who sees only one thing and drives at it so hard that they achieve what no other human has achieved thus far. This is what Jim Collins ( Good to Great) refers to as the hedgehog strategy. Do one thing, do it brilliantly, thrive. And one last thought before I capitulate. I like experts though I’m not one myself ( I don’t want to imply by what I have just written that I can only like that which I am. Not only would this not be true, it might be the ultimate form of close mindedness). I think because I have adopted the generalist approach to everything in my life I appreciate expertise all the more. I can’t watch touch typing without crying. If I had to sacrifice my open mindedness in order to expertly play piano, I don’t know. I might just be tempted. But there isn’t a law which states that experts can’t be open minded, is there?

But alas, I agree with everything else. Of course we should open our minds. Many will have experienced the kind of breakthrough solutions which follow brainstorming. Each stage of the process ( idea generation, sorting/grouping, evaluating, judging, deciding ) is important but none more challenging than the first stage. That of pure thought without judgement. We have all been there and seen how quickly we rush to judgement and equally, if we are honest, we will have experienced that moment when our brains ( and perhaps even our voices only to be corrected by the facilitator) brutally dismissed an off the wall idea only to accept later during reflection that it was this thought, this stupid thought, which actually unlocked the collective thinking and produced a genuinely new insight. OK it’s not touch typing, but it is a trip to be involved in such sessions.

And so in conclusion, I remain open minded to the possibility that open mindedness may not always yield the best utilitarian result though I am settled that it will more often than not even if that means I’m being a little close minded.

    Doug Morton

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    Practicing writing because I love words.....