Leaders are learners.

We do a leadership course. Now we’re a leader. Done. Right?

But no two situations are the same. No two companies are the same. No two people are the same. 

In the words of Zen-Master Roshi: ‘In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.’

As a leader, you want to have possibilities. Many possibilities.

So we need to see ourselves not as a master. But as a beginner. Every time.

Open to learning. Open to not-knowing.

Not-knowing can be scary. We find a lot of comfort and confidence in knowing. Or at least, in the illusion of knowing. Because, do you ever know it all?

The more senior you get as a leader, the less you’ll know. The more you need to be a learner. Rely on your learning-attitude. 

And there are so many advantages to learning. Cognitive stimulation is good for the brain and it is psychologically rewarding; it increases your confidence, sense of achievement, pride, happiness, resilience, identity, and I can go on.

So learn. Climb the ladder not knowing what to do when you’re up there. Plenty of possibilities. And you’ll have fun.

Not-knowing is fun.

Nobody likes a know-it-all anyway.

#executivecoaching #leadershipdevelopment