beginner mindset

Many of us in positions of leadership often feel it comes accompanied by an expectation to be right all of the time. But that’s a feeling founded in fear. Leaders who are afraid of being wrong or vulnerable are afraid of losing their power and appearing weak. In other words, they believe confidence is synonymous with omniscience. 

But being wrong isn’t what cause leaders to appear weak.  Being bothered by, ashamed of or upset with being wrong – THAT’s what causes leaders to appear weak! Leaders strong enough to admit error, courageous enough to apologize without justifying themselves, and insatiably curious enough to seek more and more information come across as anything but weak. In fact, the rest of us admire those people immensely!

So here’s my invitation to you:  Let your Leadership inform you through a “Beginner’s Mind.”  A Beginner’s Mind is the ability to seek insight and understanding from people other than yourself. It’s the wisdom to recognize that some of the greatest insights come from some of the most unlikely sources. It’s the courage to say “I don’t know” with enthusiasm, opening up the opportunity for others to help and serve you.