Developing the Tool of Intellectual Humility

Have you ever been frustrated by people who don’t seem open to changing their mind? Now think about it: Have you ever been such a person? If you can’t recall the last time you admitted you were wrong or altered your opinion, it might be useful to work on developing intellectual humility.
 
According to Shane Snow, award-winning journalist, celebrated entrepreneur, and author of Smartcuts: The Breakthrough Power of Lateral Thinking, “Gallup’s list of Most Admired People is populated with people who have changed, repented, evolved, and grown.” And those who are intellectually humble make the most effective leaders and teammates (https://bit.ly/2QFDgb4).
 
Like any skill, intellectual humility can be cultivated through practice:
 

• Respect the viewpoints of others: Listen without interrupting and watch out for the human tendency to discount opinions of people who do not look, act, think or behave like you. (Tweet it!) 
• Resist intellectual arrogance: Too much adherence to our own way of thinking makes us unlikely to learn and change.
• Separate ego from intellect: Don't make ideas about you. If you view ideas as neutral, you’re less likely to feel threatened by disagreements or dissonance.
• Know when to revise your viewpoint: Give yourself permission to explore, travel, read and research. Look for opportunities to reach a new conclusion.

 
What is the last topic you changed your mind about, and what caused the change? To join the conversation, click "comments" above.
 
If you would like to learn more about creating a habit around masterful communication, check out our online learning programs. 

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