Thirteen years ago, as a budding entrepreneur navigating uncharted waters, I believed confidence was my greatest asset. I thought *“knowing it all”* was key to building credibility. But as I reflect on my journey, I see that it wasn’t confidence that propelled me forward—it was curiosity and a willingness to embrace the unknown.  

Let me share my story of shifting from rigidity to exploration, and how that simple transformation opened doors I never knew existed.

The Problem: Stuck in the “Know-It-All” Mindset

In the early days of my career, I unknowingly fell into the trap of believing I had all the answers. My language reflected it:  

– We’ve already tried that. 

– This is the only way to do it.

– I’ve been doing this for years; I know what works.

While these statements made me feel in control, they alienated others, stifled creativity, and limited collaboration. I thought I was projecting strength, but in reality, I was building walls that kept valuable insights and opportunities out.  

One day, during a critical business meeting, I shut down a colleague’s idea with, *“That won’t work; we’ve done this before.”* I remember the frustration in the room and the silent disengagement that followed. It hit me: I wasn’t leading; I was dictating. My ego was holding me back, and I needed a change.  

The Solution: Choosing Curiosity Over Certainty 

The turning point came when I attended a leadership workshop where the speaker said, “The smartest leaders are those who admit they don’t know everything.”That one line planted a seed of doubt about my approach.  

I began observing leaders who thrived—individuals who weren’t afraid to ask questions or acknowledge what they didn’t know. Their language struck a chord with me:  

– “That’s an interesting perspective. Tell me more.”

– “I don’t have all the answers, but let’s figure this out together.” 

– “What if we approached this differently?”  

It was empowering to see how curiosity fueled collaboration. Inspired, I decided to adopt a mindset of openness and exploration.  

The Shift: Transforming My Mindset and Language

I started small, replacing statements with questions:  

– Instead of saying, “That won’t work,” I began asking, “How do you see this playing out?”  

– Rather than claiming, “This is the only way,” I tried, “What other options can we explore?”  

The results were immediate. Conversations became more engaging, brainstorming sessions more creative, and relationships stronger.  

One defining moment was during a team project where a junior colleague suggested an unconventional approach. My initial reaction was to dismiss it, but instead, I said, “That’s an interesting idea. Let’s explore it.” To my surprise, their suggestion turned out to be a breakthrough solution. It taught me that great ideas often come from unexpected places—and that being open to them is a strength, not a weakness.  

The Power of Openness in Action

As I embraced a mindset of openness, I noticed tangible changes:  

• Stronger Relationships: Conversations shifted from being transactional to transformational. People felt heard,  valued, and eager to collaborate.  
• Increased Innovation: By welcoming diverse perspectives, my team began generating ideas that were bold, creative, and impactful.
• Growth Beyond Business: The language of humility and empathy enriched not just my professional relationships but also my personal ones.

One of the most impactful frameworks I discovered during this journey was Susan McPherson’s *Gather, Ask, Do Method*. It became my guiding compass:  

– Gather: I focused on building relationships rooted in trust and authenticity.  

– Ask: By asking, “How can I help you?” or “What do you think?” I unlocked opportunities for deeper connection.  

– Do: Following through on my commitments reinforced trust and created lasting bonds.  

The Lesson: Why Openness Always Wins 

In today’s fast-changing world, adaptability is a superpower, and openness is its foundation. Being curious, humble, and willing to learn isn’t just a mindset—it’s a strategy for growth.  

The “know-it-all” approach might offer a fleeting sense of control, but it ultimately isolates you and limits your potential. In contrast, the mindset of openness creates pathways to innovation, collaboration, and trust—qualities that are essential for both personal and professional success.  

Final Thoughts: A Choice That Defines You  

To anyone reading this, let me leave you with this: Your mindset shapes your reality. Will you choose the rigidity of “knowing it all” or the limitless possibilities of openness and exploration?  

When you embrace curiosity and humility, you don’t just grow—you inspire growth in others. And in that, you find a deeper, more fulfilling kind of success.  

So, ask yourself: What if I approached this differently? The answer might just change your life.