The Benefits of Shoshin: A Beginners Mind for Leaders.

In business, it can be easy to become entrapped in the idea of being an expert in one’s field. After all, you have worked hard to reach this level and maintain your success. However, what if there was something that could help you find more success? Enter shoshin—a concept from Zen Buddhism meaning beginner’s mind.

Shoshin is the idea of approaching each new experience with open curiosity and fresh insight. This can be especially beneficial for leaders in business, who often feel like they have to have all the answers. With shoshin, a leader doesn’t have to rely solely on their expertise; instead, they can explore things from a different angle and gain new perspectives.

Shoshin can also be helpful in fostering creativity. By adopting a beginner’s mindset, leaders can see the world through new eyes and find creative solutions to problems they may have never considered before. Additionally, shoshin encourages experimentation and risk-taking which are essential for true innovation. Let’s explore how this practice can benefit our work;

"In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s there are few."*

The power of shoshin.

Shoshin is about unleashing the power of a beginner’s mindset—it encourages us to constantly strive for improvement and allows us to see things with fresh eyes to bring forth new ideas. Being open-minded instead of closed-minded helps rid us of rigid thinking and opens up our minds to possibilities that we may not have considered before. It also encourages us to go beyond our comfort zones and take risks that we may not have taken before due to fear or uncertainty. In addition, it helps us stay humble enough to accept feedback and criticism to continue growing professionally.

Applying shoshin in business.

Of course, understanding the concept is only beneficial if it is applied correctly within your business dealings. With shoshin comes a willingness to look for solutions where others cannot; by approaching problems from different angles and focusing on innovation rather than existing processes you can create impact and future growth by trying something new with more confidence and greater reliability. Additionally, embracing shoshin means not being afraid to ask questions; seek out advice from those around you who may offer perspectives you haven’t considered yet or have knowledge that you don’t possess yet yourself. Seeking input from different sources will help broaden your viewpoint on any given issue and provide more comprehensive solutions for the company as a whole.

Its OK not to know it all.

At the end of the day, it is ok to not know everything; shoshin teaches us that it is more important to be open-minded and willing to learn than it is to try to pretend like you have all the answers. Leaders who practice shoshin will find themselves growing in ways they never thought possible as they learn from their mistakes and those of others. It is a powerful tool for success in the business world. When you let go of what you think you know, you grow.

Don't let ego block your beginners mind.

It can be easy to fall into the trap of becoming too confident in your abilities and knowledge, but having a beginner’s mind instead will help you stay humble enough to take advice from those around you. People with shoshin don’t let their egos get in the way—they are more interested in creating solutions than being right. Additionally, having a beginner’s mind allows for a more open flow of ideas and conversations with colleagues, which in turn fosters better working relationships.

The first step to creating a beginners mind.

The first step to creating a beginner's mind is to practice an attitude of non-judgment. When you look at a situation without immediately evaluating it, you can more easily accept new perspectives and ideas that come with it. It also helps you to be flexible in your opinions and open to feedback that may help you gain knowledge or insight into the matter. Additionally, having an attitude of humility will keep you from getting too attached to your own opinions and help you be more open to new ideas. Finally, practice patience and stay curious; this will help you connect the dots between all the various elements that come with a problem or situation to gain valuable insight.

Adding meditation practice to support your beginners mind.

In order to fully embrace shoshin, it can be helpful to practice mindfulness and incorporate meditation into your daily routine. Sitting in stillness can help you clear away any preconceived notions or judgments that could hinder your thought process and open up more creative avenues for problem-solving. In addition, it can help you maintain clarity of thought, so that you can see a situation from multiple angles without getting lost in the details. A simple way to start a daily meditation practice is to spend five to ten minutes each day focusing on your breath, allowing thoughts to come and go without judgment. By building a daily meditation practice, you will be able to cultivate a beginner’s mind that is open and ready to receive new ideas and solutions.

Stay curious about what's changing around you.

Finally, to truly practice shoshin, it is important to stay curious about the world around you. Becoming more aware of emerging change and trends that could impact your industry or business can help you stay ahead of the curve and develop innovative solutions. Whether it’s changes in technology or shifts in consumer trends, staying informed and open-minded can help ensure that your business remains competitive and relevant in today’s rapidly changing landscape. Doing so will keep you one step ahead of the competition and help you stay in tune with customer needs.

Embracing shoshin can lead to great success in business — but it also provides a valuable life lesson that should be applied to any endeavor. Embracing a beginner’s mind will open up new possibilities and give you the tools to tackle any challenge that comes your way. So don’t be afraid to let go of your ego and stay curious, it will lead you to bigger and better things.

By taking a shoshin-based approach, leaders can create more efficient teams that are open to new ideas, more innovative solutions, and a broader view of the company’s goals and objectives. The key to unlocking this potential lies in the practice of shoshin: don’t be afraid to make mistakes, stay humble, have an open mind, and maintain a sense of curiosity. With these simple guidelines in place, you can create a workplace environment that is conducive to growth and success. Try it today!

References:

*Suzuki, Shunryū. & Dixon, Trudy. & Smith, Huston. & Baker, Richard. (1973). Zen mind, beginner's mind : informal talks on Zen meditation and practice. New York : Weatherhill