A Radical Question
“To be radically open-minded, you need to be so open to the possibilities that you could be wrong that you encourage others to tell you so.” ~ Ray Dalio
One of my goals is to participate in a collaborative leadership opportunity each year. It supports my personal growth, which in turn helps me be a stronger leader for Courage to Caregivers. In 2024 I was part of a Transformational Leadership Cohort for peer supporters in Ohio, which combines cohort workshops and individual coaching to develop leaders' inner strengths. The workshops build a foundation for systemic change, emphasizing peers' roles in the workforce, while coaching helps participants achieve their personal leadership goals.
One question we considered that applies to all pivotal moments in which we are involved – moments of change, conflict, or creating new outcomes – is:
What am I contributing?
Asking this question is a thoughtful, self-reflective practice that promotes collaboration by shifting our focus outward, inviting growth, and seeking feedback from others. It is also an open mindset approach that embraces curiosity, humility, and a willingness to learn. It focuses on what we can CONTROL, including our contributions to both successes and challenges.
When we ask this question of ourselves, it’s important to be open to what the answers are telling us. Sometimes, we may not like what we see, but we must see it and own it, with responsibility and openness:
My loved one is not managing their emotions effectively. What is my contribution?
I feel stuck. I am not growing the way I had hoped. How have I contributed to this result?
My only identity is as a caregiver. I’ve lost myself as a person. What is my contribution?
I feel isolated, overwhelmed, and alone. How have I contributed to this result?
But don’t forget to be open to your successes as well. See it, own it, celebrate it:
I have learned a lot about taking care of myself and have set intentions for 2025 to continue to learn and grow. How have I contributed to that result?
My loved one is more respectful of my time and boundaries. What is my contribution?
I feel connected, supported, and empowered to do the next hard thing. How have I contributed to that result?
Here are three tools that may help you cultivate an open mindset:
Practice Curiosity - Ask Questions: Cultivate a habit of asking "Why?" or "What if?" even in unfamiliar or uncomfortable situations. Ask yourself, "What can I learn from this?" Curiosity helps shift our focus from judgment to understanding, fostering openness to new experiences and perspectives.
Engage in Reflective Practices - Try Journaling or Self-Reflection: Dedicate time to reflect on your reactions to events, decisions, or interactions. Consider writing about situations where you resisted change, exploring what made you uncomfortable and how you could have approached it differently. Reflection builds self-awareness and helps identify thought patterns that may limit openness.
Step Out of Your Comfort Zone - Take Small Risks: Try activities, foods, or experiences outside your usual preferences. Attend a cultural event or workshop on a topic you know little about. Experiencing the unfamiliar broadens perspectives, challenges biases, and builds confidence in adapting to change.
By combining curiosity, self-reflection, and stepping outside comfort zones, you can cultivate an open mindset that enhances YOUR personal growth and resilience.