Leading with Shoshin: The Art of Adapting and Thriving

Did anyone ever teach you to run? I’m learning to run and it’s just 10 days before I run a marathon. That seems a little crazy and it is exactly where I find myself.?

Yesterday I had a physiotherapist film me using a specialized app and then analyze my running. With a slow motion, zoomed-in visual of exactly how I strike and push off the ground, the cause of my current achilles tendon issue came into sharp focus. I need to learn to run in a slightly modified way if I am to avoid injury.?

I consider myself a perpetual student which serves me well. In Buddhism there’s a concept called Shoshin or Beginner’s Mind.?

In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, while in the expert’s there are few

Shunryu Suzuki (Zen Monk, Teacher and Author of “Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind”)

It’s a powerful concept to keep in mind at any time and I would add particularly as we get older or as we ascend through the leadership ranks in our professional lives. Shoshin is the opposite of the close-mindedness that one can fall prey to after achieving a certain level of expertise in a subject area, or when one holds a high status or rank in a particular domain or organization. It refers to an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions.

As I write this article I’m barefoot at my desk rolling a small spiky ball back and forth under the sole of my foot. I’m doing my “Seated Plantar Fascia Mobilization with Small Ball” exercise as instructed by the physiotherapist. I have no pain at the moment and I don’t see any immediate, tangible benefit to rolling this ball. Yet here I am, practicing Shoshin, ready to experiment and try new approaches.?

There’s a great freedom in allowing ourselves to practice Shoshin. It naturally releases us from the tight grip of defensiveness, or any subconscious attachment to “my way is the only or right way” thinking patterns. It naturally opens the doorway to more creativity and possibility.?

In relationships it allows us to be fully present to the other person rather than tuning out, assuming we know what they’re going to say or what they mean. It makes space for a fundamental truth, that everything is always in flux and ever changing.

If you take this concept into the workplace and incorporate it into your company culture what might be possible? How might it support product and service development? How might it encourage creative contributions from more team members? How might it contribute to a more inclusive culture?

To dedicate yourself to acquiring expertise in your field is a noble pursuit AND you can do that whilst also practicing Shoshin.?

Here are some questions and actions that as a leader you can consider to help cultivate Shoshin:

1. Am I Open to New Ideas?Do I actively seek out and encourage input from all team members, regardless of their position or experience?Am I open to suggestions and feedback, even if they challenge my existing beliefs or approaches?
2. Have I Embraced a Growth Mindset?Do I believe that I can continually learn and improve, and do I convey this belief to my team?Am I willing to take risks and accept failure as a learning opportunity?
3. Do I Listen Actively?Am I genuinely listening when team members share their thoughts, concerns, or ideas?Do I ask clarifying questions and seek to understand their perspectives deeply?
4. Am I Willing to Unlearn?Can I identify any biases or outdated beliefs that may be hindering progress or innovation within the company?Am I open to challenging these biases and unlearning unhelpful habits or thought patterns?
5. Do I Encourage Curiosity?Am I fostering a culture where curiosity is valued and rewarded?Do I encourage team members to ask questions and explore new areas of interest?
6. Am I Continuously Learning?What am I currently learning or exploring outside of my day-to-day responsibilities?Am I setting aside time for personal growth and development?
7. Am I Present in the Moment?Do I approach each situation with a fresh perspective, rather than relying solely on past experiences?Am I fully present in meetings and discussions, rather than being preoccupied with other matters?
8. Have I Diversified My Sources of Inspiration?Am I seeking inspiration and ideas from a variety of sources, including different industries and disciplines?Have I built a network of diverse individuals who can provide different viewpoints?
9. Am I Encouraging Experimentation?Do I create a safe environment for experimentation and innovation within the organization?Am I willing to allocate resources and support for pilot projects and new initiatives?
10. Am I Leading by Example?Do I demonstrate a beginner's mind in my own actions and decision-making?Am I open about my own learning experiences and failures to inspire others to do the same?

Cultivating a beginner's mind is an ongoing process that demands self-awareness and deliberate effort. In my journey as a runner, I've been honing my ability to attune to my body and the finer intricacies of my running technique. Similarly, as a leader, embracing these principles and taking corresponding actions will not only set a positive example for your teams but also contribute significantly to nurturing a culture of continuous learning and innovation within your organization.

As a confidence coach and mindfulness meditation teacher I help you remember and embody who you truly are, in all of your powerful magnificence, so you can live a life true to your highest potential. To start a conversation book some time in my calendar