Open-mindedness is the ability to receive alternate arguments or ideas and allow them to change something within your thought process. To be open-minded is to roll with the punches and accept that life is in a constant state of change- and communication is no different. 

That’s why i’m diving into the communication archives for this one. Without open-mindedness, we wouldn’t be able to decipher other communication styles that may be different-even opposing- to our own styles. 

Plus, if we can’t be open-minded to other people’s messages, we run the risk of miscommunication, judgement, and social stagnation.

But how can we cultivate a more open mind? 

Well, it won’t be easy, but first, we’ll need to get rid of our Confirmation Bias. 

What Is Confirmation Bias?

Confirmation Bias is when you only pay attention to the details that confirm or strengthen what you already believe instead of being receptive to new ideas. 

Everyone has some form of confirmation bias, but the most prevalent sources stem from religion and politics. That’s why it’s crucial that we identify our personal bias and strive to dismantle it.

In order to do that, take a moment to consider all the new information you come across, and see if it meets your existing beliefs. If it doesn’t meet those beliefs, are you automatically dismissing it on principle?

If so, pause and think about the new information for a moment. Why does it challenge you? What would be the consequences of giving it a chance?

Question Everything

Another way we can become open-minded is by asking ourselves questions whenever we encounter new information. These questions include:

• How much do I know about the subject?
• Is the source reliable?
• Have I considered other ideas like this?
• Do I have any confirmation bias preventing me from accepting this information?
• Am I willing to change my opinion if confronted with conflicting evidence?
• Which opinions am I keeping as part of my core values?

These questions can help us gain a sense of ourselves and how we respond to new information, and that, in turn, can help us become more open-minded to the world around us. 

Conclusion

Open-mindedness is a cornerstone of communication because, without it, we all end up with miscommunication and an inability to find creative solutions to our problems.

Despite what others may think, new information isn’t a bad thing, and you can be open-minded without changing your core beliefs. However, sometimes our core beliefs need to change in the light of new information.

So, question everything. Check your confirmation bias. Find space to communicate more openly with the world around you. Don’t let anyone tell you who you should be, or what you should believe.

That’s for YOU to decide.