Cultivating An Attitude of Openness — Part Four of the Navigating Complexity Series

by Dave Kahle

Navigating your way through complexity in a rapidly changing, information-saturated world

In my previous posts, I noted some of the factors that combine to create an incredibly turbulent, complex, rapidly changing, and information-saturated world in which we find ourselves.  Our ability to navigate these turbulent waters is the single biggest challenge we will face for the balance of our careers.

     Because these times are unprecedented, we need to intentionally create some mechanisms to help us.  If we’re smart and intentional, we can build some routines, attitudes, and competencies into our personal lives and into our businesses that will help us to survive and thrive, even in these unprecedented times.

     I offered the analogy of a sailboat, which can sail almost directly into the wind because of the dynamic tension between two opposing forces – the keel which holds it down, and the sails which drive it forward. One without the other renders the boat unusable.  But, when the keel and sails are in balance, it becomes a thing of magic, allowing the sailor to maneuver safely in even the most difficult of situations.

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     That’s the idea.  To successfully navigate our unprecedented and complex world, we need to build into our lives and businesses certain disciplines, systems, attitudes, and habits which hold us down and, just as intentionally, building in those things that drive us forward.  In other words, to build sails and keels into our lives and businesses. The dynamic tension between these opposing forces is what will empower us to survive and thrive.

In my previous posts, I articulated the first sail – an acceptance of personal responsibility – and the first keel – an articulated vision or purpose.

Here’s my next recommendation for a ‘sail’ – a discipline or character trait that will drive us forward.

Sail #2:  – An attitude of openness.

It seems like this attitude is gradually disappearing from our culture.  That’s unfortunate, for those who remain stuck in the comfortable status quo will be passed by in the inevitable movement of our society.

Let’s dig into this.  First, a definition of ... CLICK HERE TO READ FULL ARTICLE.

The recent incident with Damar Hamlin, and Dan Orlovsky's public prayer may have been a tipping point for Christians in America.

We are all familiar with the Damar Hamlin incident. While it was unfolding, Dan Orlovsky, a former quarterback and current analyst for ESPN, led a spontaneous prayer on national TV. That has sparked what is probably a temporary encouragement of prayer among the NFL media. And that has huge implications for Christian businesses people. Orlovsky's prayer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pk9TwonTnCM