The talented musician, Frank Zappa once said, “A mind is like a parachute. It doesn’t work if it’s not open.”
Being open-minded is a rare quality and one which is sometimes overlooked. How often have we found ourselves trying to influence others only to fail miserably because they weren’t open to thinking about the different possibilities? For some, the loss of control in allowing their view to be questioned can be very challenging, especially if those beliefs and values were long held. Tony Gregg, Executive Performance Coach and CEO of Anthony Gregg Partnership states, “Just because you are opening your mind to other thoughts and ideas doesn’t automatically mean that you need to change or alter your thinking, it can also lead to a reinforcement of those particular views.”
The benefits of being open-minded
Certainly, the benefits of being more open-minded are numerous. It can lead you to be more flexible and adaptable, as well as helping strengthen both your confidence and the confidence of those around you. If someone has taken the time to really think about your idea, weighed up the pros and cons to ensure it’s been fully explored, the more likely it is to succeed. Executive Coaching allows you the freedom to explore this skill and to discuss the potential opportunities for developing it further.
Sometimes leadership isn’t about what you do, but about what you don’t do. Going blindly into something because it was your idea is never a good option, especially when the first sign of disaster looms. This will not instil confidence in your team, it will only diminish their view of you as a leader. However, being open to other constructive criticism can be exhilarating and terrifying at the same time. Whichever way it turns out, you and your team will have faced the problem together – remember, we all learn by making mistakes.
A coach to be in your corner
There is no doubt that for some people being open-minded will come naturally. However, there are those who will find it a lot more of a struggle. If this is the case then Executive Coaching can be of huge benefit. When leaders are “in the grip” it’s hard to take time to find out what went wrong and how to fix it. Being a leader can be a lonely place, especially if you have no one in your peer group to safely discuss your concerns without fear or favour. So, if being open-minded is something you are struggling with then seek the support of an experienced coach to take you and your leadership skills to the next level.
At Anthony Gregg Partnership you’ll find experienced coaching and mentoring expertise to meet all your learning and development requirements. With over a decade of working within the Retail sector, the Partnership provides leaders, executives, and employees with the tools to strive within a highly competitive market.
Please do not hesitate to call Tony Gregg on +44 (0)203 178 4944 or contact via email at tonyg@anthonygregg.com for more information.
