The fourth essential priority for leaders is Perception. The idea of perception speaks to how we see things. Perception is all about mindset and perspective. Where is your mindset these days? There are two types of mindsets that CEOs have, and you are either one or the other.

A. Open Mindset

Having an open mindset means you’re humble and hungry. You’re always looking for the next innovative idea, and you make space for creativity and possibility. An open mindset leader knows the best ideas don’t always come in the shower.

B. Closed Mindset

The opposite of the open mindset is a closed mindset. This leader says, “I think we’re good. We’ve got a great product line. We just need to sustain and keep it going.”

Which mindset you have will impact how you lead your organization. It will also impact the type of people your organization attracts. People want to work for an organization that validates and encourages ideas. They want space for creative problem solving. Talented and passionate people do not want to work in a culture where they aren’t given a seat at the table.

The risk for all leaders is that they will allow pressure or adversity to shift them from an open mindset to a closed one. This past year has been a great example of the struggle to stay innovative and creative when things aren’t where they should be. However, this is exactly when great leaders choose to keep an open mindset. They understand that the only way through struggle and difficulty is to engage the power of perception. The challenging seasons are precisely the time that we must prioritize perception by engaging our organization in creative and innovative thinking.

So take a moment today to evaluate your mindset. Are you open-minded? Humbly pursuing creative and innovative possibilities? Has your mindset shifted to a closed perspective? Are you operating out of fear or a scarcity mentality? Have you settled into your past success in a way that is limiting your future? These are important questions that deserve honest answers. The good news is that we can begin to shift our mindset right now. Today can be the first day where you start to re-engage the creative and innovative possibilities that are right in front of you.