Take a simple idea. Then place it in the hands of a group of kids between the ages of 9-11. You’ll get a wide variety of interpretations. And they will span the spectrum from logical to nonsensical to hilarious to just plain weird. But each one of them will have little hints of genius. Something totally unique that no one else would have thought of. And presented together you get such a wide array of viewpoints on a subject.
This diversity of thought can make you see the world in a new light or consider something you wouldn’t have thought of before. And it can influence how you view new ideas and make you more open to listening and hearing the value in someone else’s idea or approach.
It’s not often that we encounter open forums to showcase our ideas without judgement from others. But why should children be the only ones to benefit from this kind of openness and variety of thought? Adults can take a lesson from youngsters. Being willing to hear an alternative or find yourself saying “huh, I never thought about that” has value and the power to expand your thinking.
We judge too quickly and far to harshly not just others but ourselves. And the judgement gets in the way of the sharing and implementing of new and wonderful ideas. We don’t always have to agree but we should try our best to be open and receptive to what else is out there.
