If You Open Up, Will The World Follow?

By Les Mottosky

We often wait for others to make the first move. A delusional hope that someone else will show vulnerability, speak up, or take the risk before we do.

But transformation begins from within. It's not "out there"; no matter how hard we look for it.

When we open up our minds, hearts, and turn our own story over to the world, we create space for others to do the same. Openness magnetizes; inviting connection, softening fear, and building trust faster than achievement or perfection ever could.

This isn’t about oversharing, openly emoting about a single event or being endlessly agreeable. It’s about courageously showing up as yourself: flaws, doubts, questions and all. No matter what the circumstance serves. It’s listening with curiosity instead of judgment and leading with empathy over ego.

We underestimate and undervalue the ripple effect of openness. That quiet truth spoken aloud that can shift a conversation. A moment of honesty can unlock a team’s creativity. This courageous willingness generates the ripples that provide permission others didn’t know they needed.

We're increasingly influenced by cynicism and superficial images. Openness is a quiet act of rebellion. It says: “I’m here. I’m human. And I’m willing to connect.”

When you open up, you don’t just change how others see you, you change how they see themselves. That’s where the momentum builds. People lean in and their walls come down, making room for possibility to enter the room.

Openness isn’t weakness.

It’s leadership.

If you go first –if you open up– the world falls in line right behind you.

But don't stop here, test it. Do it. Today... and every tomorrow.

TAGS: #Irreverent Strategies #Wisdom In Leadership #Adaptation As Innovation #Humility at Work #Courage Is Our Nature

Les Mottosky

Adaptation Strategist // I help organizations turn creativity into their competitive advantage by aligning leadership, culture, and strategy to unlock adaptive innovations.

Ask about the Clarity Engine Process.

lesmottosky@mac.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/les-mottosky-9b94527/