Learning. It starts from the day we are born, and should continue until the day we die. Some of us learn from our mistakes, and sometimes it only takes once. Others are lucky enough to learn from the mistakes of others. Some people can't learn a thing even if they're beaten over the head with an encyclopedia.
What enhances your learning ability? What creates an environment that makes you open your mind to new ideas?
Imagine this, if you will:
You and Joe are co-workers. You don't know him that well, but he seems to be a nice enough chap. One day, the fire alarm goes off, and everyone is shuffled outside like cattle. You and Joe strike up a conversation, and you realize that you and Joe have some opposing ideas about things. Being the bright, open-minded, and curious person you are (or else you wouldn't be reading this blog!), you decide to learn more about his opinion.
1. Joe raises his voice at you. Does this:
A. Enhance your learning ability
B. Decrease your learning ability
2. Joe uses sarcasm and shock effect repeatedly to make his point. Does this:
A. Enhance your learning ability
B. Decrease your learning ability
3. Joe uses name-calling and accusatory statements to make his point. Does this:
A. Enhance your learning ability
B. Decrease your learning ability
4. Joe refuses to allow you to inquire about his opinion, or how he came about creating this opinion. Does this:
A. Enhance your learning ability
B. Decrease your learning ability.
5. Joe, realizing that you are a lost cause, resorts to calling you and your office buddies every disrespectful name in the book. Does this:
A. Enhance your learning ability
B. Decrease your learning ability
You, thankfully, have not become disrespectful towards Joe. The boss comes over, and says "All clear, back to work", and everyone shuffles back inside like cattle.
Are you:
A. Glad to get back to work (and away from Joe)
B. Wishing your conversation with Joe could continue.
What opens your mind to new ideas? And what makes your mind's door slam shut?
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Updated: 10:55 PM GMT del 10 Agosto 2009
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