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Dare to Think Differently

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Dare to Think Differently

How Open-Mindedness Creates Exceptional Decision-Making

Stanford UP,

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How great leaders think — not what they do — separates them from merely good leaders.

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Self-help books have long sought to identify the traits of great leaders. Emotional intelligence, clear communication, and a growth mindset are commonly cited keys to success. Neuromarketing expert Gerald Zaltman proposes another essential characteristic: an open mind. Drawing on examples from business, research, and real-world problem-solving, his practical guide illustrates how the right mental habits lead to stronger ideas and better decisions, while teaching you to think about how you think. Zaltman urges you to embrace uncertainty, remain flexible, and challenge your assumptions so you can unlock new possibilities.

Summary

Nurturing an open mind requires effort, humility, courage, and discipline.

People who operate with a closed mind tend to rush toward solutions before they fully understand the problem. This results in weaker outcomes and missed opportunities. A closed mind shuts down self-reflection and breeds the assumption that you already know enough, thus thwarting any urge to adapt and grow. This mindset is pervasive even though it’s useless in confronting the complex challenges facing humanity.

Across all industries, the most effective people cultivate an open mind. That takes deliberate effort, humility, courage, and discipline, but the payoffs are significant: You become more imaginative and creative. You pause to reflect rather than reacting quickly. You adjust your approach as you go.

As you take in the full picture and recognize the gaps in your knowledge, having an open mind motivates you to learn more and, in turn, make better decisions. To nurture an open mind, adopt six practices: engage in “serious playfulness;” view ignorance as an opportunity, not a threat; ask questions that deepen your understanding; seek new information...

About the Author

Gerald Zaltman is the Joseph C. Wilson Professor Emeritus at Harvard Business School, the co-founder of Olson Zaltman Associates with marketing scholar Jerry Olson, and the author or editor of more than 20 books, including the influential How Customers Think and Marketing Metaphoria, co-authored with his son, Lindsay Zaltman.

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