From Narrow-Blinded to Open Minded: An Alternative Approach for Improved Decision-Making

by Edward N. Gamble

What will it take to move from polarized positioning to open- minded thinking?

Many people seem to be stuck. Entrenched. Unable to be dislodged from narrow, rigid, dogmatic viewpoints. Is there a way to move past this paralysis—what Dr. Edward Gamble calls “narrow-blindedness”—towards an open mind?

In From Narrow-Blinded to Open An Alternative Approach for Improved Decision-Making, Dr. Gamble offers the “3T” model—think, talk, and take action—to bring back civil and productive dialogue to work toward innovative solutions. For each aspect of the model, Dr. Gamble explores the modern foibles contributing to the problem, adding entertaining stories from his travels around the globe and offers logical alternate strategies and actions to help us take a more effective path.

Edward Gamble, PhD, is an accounting and tax professor specializing in accountability from both micro and macro perspectives. He is a Canadian, Irish, and US citizen and has worked and traveled extensively around the world. For more information, please visit www.edwardgamble.com.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help

Kindle Edition

Published September 24, 2024

Reviews

[Panda02 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hmm

This book has given me a lot to think about. This book was a Goodreads Giveaways win and I am grateful to have read this.

[J Kromrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

“From Narrow-Blinded to Open Minded: An Alternative Approach for Improved Decision-Making” by Edward N. Gamble is a timely and insightful guide that addresses the pressing need for open-mindedness in today’s polarized world. Gamble, with his extensive background in psychology and decision sciences, offers a practical framework for fostering constructive dialogue and innovative problem-solving.

The book introduces the “3T” model—Think, Talk, and Take Action—as an approach to embracing a more open-minded perspective. Gamble argues that by adopting this model, individuals and organizations can break down barriers created by entrenched positions and work towards more collaborative and effective solutions.

Each section of the book delves into one of the three components, providing readers with actionable strategies and real-world examples to illustrate the concepts.

While “From Narrow-Blinded to Open Minded” is a non-fiction work, Gamble’s ability to weave personal anecdotes and case studies into the narrative adds a human touch to the theoretical concepts. These stories serve as powerful illustrations of the transformative potential of open-minded thinking. Gamble’s own journey from a narrow-blinded perspective to an advocate for open-mindedness is both relatable and inspiring, making him a credible and engaging guide.

Gamble’s writing is clear, concise, and accessible, making complex psychological and decision-making theories easy to understand. His use of humor and relatable examples keeps the reader engaged, while the structured format of the book ensures that the information is presented in a logical and coherent manner. The practical exercises and reflection prompts at the end of each chapter encourage readers to actively apply the concepts to their own lives.

The central theme of the book is the importance of open-mindedness in decision-making and problem-solving. Gamble explores how narrow-minded thinking can lead to conflict, stagnation, and missed opportunities, while open-mindedness fosters creativity, collaboration, and progress. The book also touches on themes of empathy, critical thinking, and the value of diverse perspectives. Gamble emphasizes that open-mindedness is not about abandoning one’s beliefs but about being willing to consider and respect alternative viewpoints.

“From Narrow-Blinded to Open Minded” is a valuable resource for anyone looking to enhance their decision-making skills and foster a more open-minded approach to problem-solving. Edward N. Gamble’s blend of scholarly insight and practical advice makes this book both informative and inspiring.

Whether you’re a leader, educator, or simply someone seeking personal growth, this book offers a compelling roadmap for navigating the complexities of modern life with an open mind.

[Dora Okeyo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book indeed offers an alternative approach to decision making and explores through research and case studies on 'narrow blindness,' which is when we are focused on what we already know that we miss out on other possibilities. I loved chapter four on "Group blinders,' that explores group thinking and collective blindness which in my view is ideal especially when it comes to election seasons when it always becomes you are either on this side or the other, and it was easy to see the blind spots.
My favorite question that I still mull over from this chapter is "Is groupthink synonymous with don't think?"
This is also one of my Netgalley reads.

[Susan Molloy · Rating 1 out of 5]

🖊️ So much puffery and braggadocio that the stated subject matter was lost. All I saw was a poseur unfortunately, and contempt for the reader. 🗑 I stopped reading when the vulgarity and blasphemy popped up. Conversely, other readers may find this self-aggrandizing poof-poof their glass of Champagne Avenue Foch and right up their affected pinky finger soirée in academia. It was not for me. ♦️ I received a Kindle eBook copy via the Goodreads Giveaway Program. Thank you to the author.

🎨Illustrated with cartoons and attractive diagrams.

જ⁀🍇 Kindle.
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39% / 89

[Sekar Writes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full review and summary.

Gamble urges readers to open their minds and see beyond their usual viewpoints. He introduces the idea of "narrow-blindness," which is when we focus too much on one thing and miss the bigger picture.

Unlike being "narrow-minded," which is refusing to consider new ideas, "narrow-blindness" is about not seeing what’s possible because we're stuck in our own way of thinking. Gamble shares insights from well-known authors like Carol Dweck and Malcolm Gladwell and offers practical advice on how to expand our understanding and have more meaningful conversations.

This book is a wake-up call to embrace new perspectives, learn more, and take action to make a difference.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC as the exchange for review.

[Cara Laughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

insightful

I won this book on the giveaway and I am happily surprised with how much I will be able to go through and read this book during different stages of my life and career. This book was excellently written.

[Megan Harvell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book!!

[Nancie Lafferty]

DNF. Author has some good stories and some good points, but the book seemed to drift along somewhat pointlessly. I just couldn’t finish it.

[justthebooksMarianKreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book thank you goodreads for my first won giveaway book. Will review on Amazon too. I learned a lot from reading this book.

[Margaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

First, I'd like to send a big thanks to the author, Edward N. Gamble, the publisher, and Goodreads for the opportunity to win a digital copy of From Narrow-Blinded to Open Minded in a giveaway. Many of us can become stuck in ruts of thinking, unable to dig ourselves out from ideas that we've fully convinced ourselves of. Being closed off to possibility shuts off paths in life that could bring you an enormous amount of self-satisfaction and actualization, and this book helps you to work on strategies to being more open to life and the things that it brings you. We all sometimes need a reminder to look at the bigger picture. I think there are so many important tips and reflections in this book, along with some further explanation of the different kinds of narrow-blindedness and how it can manifest in our lives. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking to make themselves more emotionally intelligent and empathetic, and anyone who is looking to have better conversations and be more patient. Problem solving often requires different, diverse perspectives and a group of people willing to hear what others have to say, and this book will help anyone work towards that goal if they take the info to heart.

[Richard Gresham · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won this book on the giveaway and I am happily surprised with how much I will be able to go through and read this book during different stages of my life and career. This book was excellently written