When a leader demonstrates he is open to new ideas, he makes it known that he values others.
One executive I know in health care makes it a practice to keep her door open to anyone in the company. That sets the tone for other executives in the organization.
We all want to be respected by others, but how often do we show respect to others, in particular those who report to us? The more we can answer that question in the affirmative, the more respect we will get in return.
When that happens, people will be happy to share their ideas because they know they have a willing listener.