Critical Thinking Requires an Open Mind

Possibly the most essential aspect of critical thinking is keeping an open mind. The ideas, arguments, data, or information you need can come from any direction. 

But what does it mean to be open-minded?

Someone who is open-minded is willing to consider ideas and perspectives even when they're different from their own. 

Experience or even intelligence can sometimes prevent people from being open-minded. Consider a common work scenario: A new colleague mentions a concern about an upcoming project. It is quickly brushed aside by the experienced members of the team. All but one. Instead, they question the person, saying, “I'd like to know about your concerns. Tell me more." The question enables the colleague to explain their perspective further. While the concern turns out to be unfounded, the team is able to explain why and the newcomer learns something. 

Open-mindedness is similar to curiosity. In an increasingly polarized world, being able to step outside your comfort zone and consider other perspectives and ideas and wonder why someone has them is essential. Open-mindedness is not agreement. It's a way of gaining clarity.

Are you open-minded?

To be able to think critically, you need to be curious about what others think, why they think it, and have empathy. 

Another critical factor is that you're open to having your own ideas challenged without getting defensive. You also don't get angry if you turn out to be wrong about something. Instead, you're grateful.

These behaviors make you a better critical thinker and a much better co-worker, collaborator, and teammate.

What are some benefits of being open-minded?

• You learn.

  One of the most significant benefits of being more open-minded is that you can learn new things about yourself when challenging your current beliefs. Also, considering innovative ideas gives you fresh insights about the world.

• You grow.

  Being open to other ideas also presents you with new experiences that will help in your personal and professional growth. You'll learn new things about the people around you.

• You stay energized.

  Staying open to new ideas and experiences can help you become a healthier, more vibrant person. Your skills and knowledge continue to build.

• You are more optimistic.

  Have you ever noticed that people who are close-minded tend to be much more negative than those who are open-minded? That's because having an open mind can inspire people to have a positive and optimistic attitude that lets them look towards a brighter future. For them, there are always brighter days ahead.

• You find better ways.

  Growth is hard to achieve when you can't break free from the "same old, same old" ideas and actions. Even if they're working for the moment, it's never a bad thing to try and improve processes and policies.

Join us for an upcoming, virtual workshop: Critical Thinking & Problem Solving.

Staying open-minded is a journey worth taking

By continuing to push your boundaries and seeking to understand others' different experiences and perspectives, you grow.   

Bill Nye, the Science Guy, says, "Everyone you will ever meet knows something that you don't." Keep your mind open, and you'll explore those differing thoughts, ideas, and experiences and you'll get to know what others know."