Question

In at least 100 words, using sufficient detail and depth to answer the following question:

What does the core value, open-mindedness, mean to you?

Answer 1

Go after opportunities. Be bold. To make an impact in today's world, you have to be able to put yourself out there. Creativity is at an all time high, and being open minded is essential to this, as shared creativity and embracing others’ opinions can lead to the formation of great ideas. As a differentiating value, open-mindedness means willingness to consider new and different ideas or opinions.

Open-mindedness is the willingness to search actively for evidence against one’s favored beliefs, plans, or goals, and to weigh such evidence fairly when it is available.

Being open-minded does not imply that one is indecisive, wishy-washy, or incapable of thinking for one’s self. After considering various alternatives, an open-minded person can take a firm stand on a position and act accordingly.

Benefits of Open-Mindedness

Research suggests the following benefits of open-mindedness:

• Open-minded, cognitively complex individuals are less swayed by singular events and are more resistant to suggestion and manipulation.
• Open-minded individuals are better able to predict how others will behave and are less prone to projection.
• Open-minded individuals tend to score better on tests of general cognitive ability like the SAT or an IQ test. (Of course we don’t know whether being open-minded makes one smarter or vice versa.)