Thinking Out Loud

Open Mind... Open Parachute?

October 16, 2019 • by Kim Baillie

The quote "A mind is like a parachute — it doesn't work unless it is open" has been attributed to many sources over the years. Regardless of its origin, it remains a profound challenge on many levels.

Listening is the key to an open mind. That means actively listening, rather than merely hearing the sounds being made. After that, it requires taking time to process what you think you have heard into a framework you can examine, question, or utilize.

In business and in life, none of us have all the answers. When facing a hurdle, a closed mind says "It can't be done" or "It's been tried before and failed."

My instinctive response is: "Why specifically not?"

When you break down the objections and examine each obstacle individually, you often find that the parameters have changed—technology has advanced, resources are different, or the original attempt stumbled on an avoidable detail. Cultivating an open mind comes as a direct result of listening, critical thinking, and intellectual curiosity.

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