In the polarized landscape of our times, communicating with others who hold opposing views can be a challenge. Yet, we can engage others with more mutual understanding and respect if we develop our openness- a willingness to listen, receive feedback, and look for commonalities in opposing viewpoints. Being more open-minded is important, especially at work, because it helps us improve our interpersonal skills. Studies have also shown that this dimension of emotional intelligence allows us to be focused, innovative, and enhances our working memory.
In this episode of Breaking the Bias, Consciously Unbiased founder Ashish Kaushal (virtually) sits down with Eric Bailey, author of The Cure for Stupidity: Using Brain Science to Explain Irrational Behavior at Work and President of Bailey Strategic Innovation Group, for an unplugged conversation about how we can develop our openness and follow principles that are rooted in psychology and neuroscience to help us communicate, lead, and collaborate more effectively. Eric also informs us that once we educate ourselves about why we express certain feelings when we have disagreements, we will be able to engage with others with more empathy and impact.
Listen to the full conversation here, and read below for some key takeaways.