Feel the Wind in Your Hair (aka Have an Open Mind)
Last year, I rode on the back of a motorcycle for the first time. Before then, motorcycles stayed firmly on my anti-bucket list.
Why? One night, before I could drive, I was sitting on the front lawn with friends when a high school boy from down the street sped by us on a motorcycle. Seconds later, he came barreling back down the hill, accelerated past us, missed his driveway, jumped the curb, crossed the lawn, and slammed into his house. From where we sat (four houses away) we could only see his red beanie hanging on the stucco, indented where his head hit. That image is burned into my mind.
He survived, and after a long recovery, walked again. But that single moment shaped my attitude toward motorcycles for decades.
Until now.
Now, dozens of rides later, sitting on the back of my friend’s bike has become one of my favorite joys. The view is different, the perspective is fresh, and it all started with choosing an open mind.
Why Having an Open Mind is Important
Being open to new ideas is a skill that successful teams share. They know what I learned on that first ride – why open minds matter for collaboration:
- Broader Perspective – Seeing things from someone else’s point of view and acknowledging every side of an issue expands the options
- Testing Beliefs – Testing assumptions and viewpoints sharpens thinking and supports decision-making
- Supports Adaptability – Being open to new ideas helps teams adjust quickly to change rather than resisting it
- Drives Innovation – Using fresh thinking assists in the discovery of new possibilities and supports creative problem-solving
- Reduces Judgement – Considering different perspectives and asking questions leads to greater understanding and makes conversations more productive
- Improves Relationships – Building trust and respect by listening, valuing input and showing curiosity makes teams stronger and more effective
An open mind stays curious and curious minds find solutions – often in places we least expect. Take a ride on the wild side! Stay open. And watch your collaboration reach new levels.
~ Cinda
Cinda Bond, MIPI, has been an OrgMetrics partnering facilitator for more than 10 years. She has facilitated more than 500 sessions for teams throughout the country. She also collaborates with engineering and construction teams to develop large documents containing hundreds of pages for construction contracts and proposals.
For more information please contact Cinda Bond, CindaBond@Orgmet.com / (925)640-9007 (cell), or OrgMetrics RobReaugh@Orgmet.com / (925)449-8300