Understanding how we operate gives us the greatest power to become better in all that we do. In today’s post, we will look into the traits of an open-minded person from a closed-minded person. The cues presented here will enable you to tell whether you or others are being closed-minded

1. Closed-minded people don’t want their ideas challenged. They are typically frustrated that they can’t get the other person to agree with them instead of being curious as to why the other person disagrees. They feel bad about getting something wrong and are more interested in being proven right than in asking questions and learning other’s perspectives. 

Open-minded people are more curious about why there is a disagreement. They are not angry when someone disagrees. They understand that there is always a possibility that they might be wrong and its worth little bit of time and effort to consider other person’s view, in order to make sure they are not making a mistake or missing something

2. Closed-minded people are more likely to make statements than ask questions. Almost all the things we enjoy in our lives have come to life because of quality questions people have asked.

Open-minded people genuinely believe they could be wrong, the questions they ask are genuine. They also reassess things that they believe in to determine whether their primary role should be as a student, a teacher or a peer.

3. Closed-minded people focus on much more on being understood than on understanding others. When people disagree, they tend to be quick to assume that they aren’t being understood than to consider whether they are the ones who are not understanding to other’s perspective.

Open-minded people always feel compelled to see things through other’s eyes

4. Close-minded people say things like ‘I could be wrong… but here is my opinion’ This is a classic cue I always hear in my sessions. It is often a cursory gesture that allows people to hold their own opinions while convincing themselves that they are being open-minded.

Open-minded people know when to make statements and when to ask questions.

5. Closed-minded people block others from speaking. If it seems like someone isn’t leaving space for the other person in the conversation, it’s possible they are blocking. To get around blocking, enforce the “two-minute rule” mentioned in my previous post.

Open-minded people are always more interested in listening than speaking, they encourage others to voice their views.

6. Closed-minded people have trouble holding two thoughts simultaneously in their minds. They allow their view to crowd out those of others.

Open-minded people can take in the thoughts of others without losing their ability to think well – they can hold two or more conflicting concepts in their mind and go back and forth between them to assess their relative merits.

7. Close-minded people lack a sense of deep humility. Humility typically comes from the experience of crashing, which leads to an enlightened focus on knowing what one doesn’t know. 

Open-minded people approach everything with a deep-seated fear that they might be wrong. As their intent is directed towards the best outcome.

Once you sort out the open-minded and closed-minded people, you will find that you want to be surrounded by open-minded ones. Doing so will not only make your decision making more effective but you will also learn a tremendous amount. A few good decision-makers working effectively together can significantly outperform a good decision maker working alone – and even the best decision-maker can significantly improve his or her decision making with the help of other excellent decision-makers. Always surround yourself with the company of the good.

Reflect. Analyze. Practice.