We all see the world in one way...our way. We convince ourselves we're seeing it the right way too.
Oh sure, we also claim to be open-minded, and willing to walk in other people's shoes too. Hahahaha...sure we do.
Lens? What Lens?
Here's my dilemma...despite my powerful self-talk machine that "tells me" I'm open-minded, I find myself wondering if that is actually true.
Or, at least, true enough.
Think about that for a second. You've spent your entire career in HR proclaiming to be open-minded, and as it turns out you're just like everyone else.
Your lens is firmly strapped on, and that is the way you see the world.
Time for the Humble Pie Buffet
How exactly does one figure out if their world view is much more limited than they previously believed? How much courage does it take to ask and find out?
Whoa! Not sure I'm ready for that.
But if I'm going to be effective, I need to be a lot more open to feedback from those that I trust. (see this post about your Personal Board of Directors to learn more.)
What might we learn if we ask those closest to us for their honest take on who we are? Are we ready for that feedback? More importantly, are we prepared to make the changes necessary to align our talk and our actions?
Heavy stuff.
How About You
When was the last time you took a step back and critically evaluated your 'open mind?'
Is that too scary; or, could it be a moment that leads you to new ways of thinking, working, and leading?
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
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"No matter how unbiased we think we are, we may have subconscious negative opinions about people who are outside our own group. But the more we are exposed to other groups of people, the less likely we are to feel prejudice against them."
- Mind Tools
I'm in Leadership, I'm Not Biased
I hate to break it to you...but yes, yes you are, and we have our brains to blame for some of those biases. We are not able to process the millions of bits of information slamming into us every second of the day.
So, our brains make quick judgments based on things that are familiar (skin color, accent, job, education, geography, etc.) to help move past the simple things and get us to the really important stuff. Except the little things are the important stuff.
Trying to convince ourselves otherwise is not only foolish, it is quite literally, impossible.
Attack Your Biases...With Humility
One of the inherent problems of leadership, and in particular as we rise through the corporate ranks, is that we rely on our our own opinions more and more. We become removed from the operations, and the work flow, and the team that understands how the work gets done in the trenches.
Our over inflated egos block our ability to see and hear what we need so desperately to lead effectively. If we are to guide our organizations forward, we must understand what is happening from every point of view.
The solution is pretty straightforward if you're a strong enough leader to handle it.
- Ask for input.
- Listen to what your trusted circle tells you.
- Do not get defensive.
How About You
Who is there for you? For me, it is my Personal Board of Directors. A team of leaders who don't know it, but are the ones I on rely for candid feedback when I'm sure "I know exactly what I'm doing."
I'd love to hear from you.
No Excuses.
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Here's my dilemma...despite my powerful self-talk machine that "tells me" I'm open-minded, I find myself wondering if that is actually true. 
