Are you a person who has ever been on a boat ready for takeoff? No one waves when you look at the people on the shore. Everyone watches and waits. If you wave, most people will respond.
Communication is the same. People will open up to you if they are comfortable with your vulnerability. You can establish a connection by being open. It’s as easy as taking that first step.
Why openness is essential in today’s business world
One of the top five personality traits is openness. This is a trait that encourages you to explore new ideas and experiences. Kendra Cherry says that people with high susceptibility tend to be more open-minded, approach new things with curiosity, and seek out novelty. They are open to new experiences, adventures, and creative endeavors. They also have a remarkable ability to connect ideas and concepts.
Openness can be challenging to cultivate. Our brains resist it. People take longer to read and respond to statements they find untrue, even when an opinion is not requested. Our brain is wired to take shortcuts when we disagree with something. Our brain also loves categories. Kevin Dutton, a psychologist, notes that categories are also a favorite of his brain.
“We see the world in color but think in black and white.” In categories and pigeonholes.
It takes less energy to place things in existing categories. Do you want to keep your options open? It takes effort. We have to keep trying. Openness is a vital skill in today’s business environment.
We need a new type of communication.
We need an open communication model that encourages transparency in a world where hierarchical structures fall. Modern problems are too complex to be solved by simple categorization. Trust is being lost in the age of categories and pigeonholes. Truth and openness are crucial to our business and daily lives because we are so sensitive to the need to duck and dive into adhering to old ideas.
How can we expand our perspective and avoid quick judgments? We can also be more open to others so they can better connect with us.
Discover new ideas and perspectives: Create your lunch talk
Our minds are dependent on the views and ideas we give them. Many companies invest in lunch talks to bring in outside voices.
What about creating your lunch talk? There are many YouTube Channels and podcasts that you can explore. It would help if you tried to bring new voices into your daily life.
Open your mind to new ideas and perspectives. Snap judgment is regular, but we can recognize it.
We can train openness.
Share Your Story
Sharing your story is key to openness. Consider the boat as an example.
People will feel more connected if they can share their own stories.
Because Barack Obama was so great at sharing his story, we all feel like we know him. America’s story. Obama’s speech at the Democratic Convention in 2004 was his first public statement of hope. This narrative that there was hope got him through his candidacy and two terms as president.
Personal storytelling is often the key to political change in hot-button areas. Voters can change their minds about issues such as same-sex marriage or abortion when they hear from real people affected. Although this doesn’t always result in policy changes immediately, it can create an atmosphere of openness and discussion that eventually leads to a change.
This is a great way to get people interested in serious issues. Personal storytelling is key to getting people involved in caring.
How do you start?
How to Get Started?
These are some easy steps to follow:
Share more than what you’re doing. Tell people why it’s essential.
We often get lost in the “what” of what we do. Communicate why you are undertaking a project to improve your communication.
Rule of Thirds: Do not focus too much on yourself
You don’t have to share your entire story. It’s quite the opposite. The best storytelling is always about something more. In my photography practice, I use the Rule of Thirds. Your story is like a photograph. You are not the only one there. Your audience is also essential.
The Story of Us and the Big Picture
This advice is a tie-in to the previous one. Stories are what connect us. Your audience can be one person. Many of the problems we face or encounter are not unique. Many people have the same fears, worries, and dreams as you. Tell a story about us, not your account.
We need a new way to communicate.
It is crucial to be connected on a deeper level in 2024, an age that is so complex. To get through, you need to be open. It is essential to have an open mind and open up to others. This is true for leadership and our work habits.
It is vital to foster an environment of openness, communication, and collaboration in the workplace. Please make an effort to build relationships with customers, employees, partners, and ourselves.
