As I chatted to two young guys in the start-up world over a cup of Singapore’s best coffee, I realized that I was tapping into two amazing stories. Countries, adventures, and shared learnings were just the beginning. I knew I had to be somewhere. Looking at my watch I realized I was already late and going to be even later. In the moment, I wanted to be listen, enjoy, and reflect. My appointment could wait, if only for a short time.
“I see you also mentor.”
“I did. I have come to realize that it is not something I truly enjoy.”
“Did anything take its place?”
“Yes, facilitating groups and helping the many. My favorite right now is a group session for young founders on how to be open minded.”
“Really? There is a need for that?”
“You would be amazed at how closed minded everyone is, you and me included!”
In the moment, I let it pass without comment. As the thought has lingered, I realize that unconscious bias is a close friend of self-limiting views. Both are connected to our need to hold onto what we know and eliminate what we disagree with. I like to think of myself as open minded, however when gently confronted with alternatives and new ways of seeing things, I discover that my range is not near as broad as it could be.
Reminders that I am left with include the following.
Do not attack, destroy, or otherwise block those with a different view. The psalmist words resonate; “Don’t you dare lay a hand on my anointed, don’t hurt a hair on the heads of my prophets.” (Psalm 105.15)
When something is different, seek to understand. This is not the same as accepting, embracing, or even endorsing. The goal is to respectfully see that idea from another’s viewpoint.
Embrace what is useful, remember what is not. The not useful now may become useful at another time.
Together we can do so much more than I imagine. In this awareness and in the actions that follow, Hope lives within us.
