Generally it is important to have an open mind unless the ideas are clearly antithetical to our tradition [i.e. the contemporary approval of משכב זכור, radical feminism, that gender is not biological but a feeling one has at any particular moment, that black lives only matter when taken by white people but don't mater when taken by black people, being a Red Sox or Celtics fan, not liking cholent or kugel etc. etc.]. Here are some thoughts I gathered from the web on being open minded. Use them when dealing with your spouse, children, chavrusa and friends.
Listening to opinions that make you think hard, not just views that make you feel good.
Choosing friends based on the decency of their behavior, not the similarity of their hashkafos [with limits of course].
Seeing disagreement as a chance to learn, not a threat to your ego.
In the neuroscientific literature those who learn the fastest have what is called a Master Learner's Mindset. This includes being open to different perspectives AND seeing other people who are more knowledgeable/skillful than you as teachers rather than objects of envy.
Show unconditional acceptance, which means believing when someone does or says something, it’s the best they can do in that moment. If they could have done better they would have. You don’t need to accept the behavior or statement. But accept them.
Perspective taking and more importantly not IDENTIFYING your sense of self with your opinions & beliefs help you to have a more adaptive and agile mind.
No one sees everything. Multiple perspectives are needed to understand our complex world. Multiple perspectives can come from: - different people - a person who's changed by time or place.
