In today’s world of polarized opinions, it’s easy to believe there’s a right side and wrong side to almost every cultural issue.According to researchers, this cultural communication framework can easily bleed over into professional conversations and hinder your ability to make meaningful new connections.Globally right now there’s a rise [in the belief] we should privilege our own positions and stubbornly refuse to entertain competing viewpoints. Curious, collaborative inquiry has been abandoned for the brute force of unilateral persuasion. How do you keep your conversations from being tainted by this cultural framework?Embrace what communication experts call Intellectual Humility.It’s a mindset that assumes the other person has both knowledge and wisdom that you don’t possess.The goal of any conversation is to discover that wisdom and allow it to challenge your beliefs. By stepping out first in humility, you open pathways for authentic communication, thoughtful idea sharing, and building trust.These are all ingredients that make the recruiting process progress towards an outcome that is best for both parties. By contrast, a passionate attempt to persuade often makes the assumption that you have the best ideas, you know the best outcomes, and the other person just needs convincing.This is arrogance, and it never plays well.
