Beginner's Mind: Seeing the Trees for the Forest
August 4th, 2009 | 
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There is a way to cultivate creativity by adopting a “beginner`s mind”.
Knowledge Can Keep Us from Learning
The term “beginners mind” conjures up someone who is open to learning the new, the novel, the interesting, or the unique. The reality is that we are all beginners, every day, within our own area of expertise as well as in all other arenas. The challenge is to remain deliberate about continual learning as if we are beginners.
Most of us have something that we know a lot about. When we know a lot about a topic, we see things about that topic in a way that others don`t. Nuances, details ?€“ we pick up on those, where others may not. Over time, we can acquire the sense of knowing everything. Our depth of knowledge sometimes makes it harder to stay open and learn new things.
Seeing the Trees (Literally)
My husband Ken has lived in the world of trees his entire life. His father had a Christmas tree farm that Ken worked on as he grew up. When I first met him, he worked in a local nursery and started his own landscaping business. For the last 30 years, he`s owned and operated a nursery, supplying the world with trees.
Ken literally sees the trees for the forest. We can be driving along, and he can spot a pear tree at a distance, amongst a stand of other varieties in the winter! If we pull over, he can often teach me a thing or two about trees that will make it easier for me to see a wild pear next time (if I am willing to have a “beginner`s mind”). I admire his continual curiosity about trees ?€“ he is able to maintain a beginner`s mind even after acquiring so much knowledge over the years.
Cultivating a “Beginner`s Mind”
The best leaders may have deep expertise, yet they are able to learn every day. Some suggestions for practicing beginner`s mind:
- Nurture a beginner`s mind with observation and reflection. Ask: What new things can I learn from others today? What did I learn today that surprised me?
- Maintain a healthy sense of curiosity. Ask: What details might I be missing? How do the parts relate to the whole?
- Develop the ability to ask the right questions. Ask: What question, if asked, would shed light on the subject at hand?
- Remember that there are always new things to learn. Ask: What areas do I need to learn more about? What am I missing?
- Understand that there is always someone out there who knows more. Ask: Who can I learn from? What do I need to ask them?
It takes some conscious work to keep a learning mindset. Being a beginner is a two-way street. We learn from those around us; they learn from us. When you assume the role of beginner, your followers do too, and that`s the start of an organization that has the potential to be inspired and creative.
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7 Responses to “Beginner's Mind: Seeing the Trees for the Forest”
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What an encouraging post! As a true beginner in the leadership blogging world, your post inspires me to continue to ask questions, learn from others, and allow others to learn from me.
I love the example from your husband as well.
Thanks, MJ, for this thoughtful reflection.
This is so critical, Mary Jo. There is ALWAYS something new to learn, and that makes life and leadership exciting. The problem is those with an expert mind are the least likely to see it in themselves. The people I admire and respect the most are those that have clearly accomplished so much, but with sincerity can admit they still don't have it all figured out and relentlessly pursue knew knowledge and understanding.
Keep up the great work, Mary Jo!
Becky, thanks for your kind comments. I believe that the way you write your posts at LeaderTalk show that you are much more than a beginner in leadership (and the blogging – you are a wonderful writer). But if I've encouraged you, then I've done my job!
Bret, I'm always shocked (in a good way) at how much our thoughts are aligned. I agree, that those with an expert mind (and we can all fall into that trap from time to time) are the least likely to see it in themselves. Until a crisis – something that rocks their "all knowing – ness". As a coach, this can sometimes be the most gratifying work of all – to help them get back on the ground and learn to adopt a beginner's mind.
Mary Jo, what great imagery behind a powerful message. Time jades our view of people and the world and often robs us of our natural "beginners" curiosity. One of the ways I combat the pull of experience is to constantly immerse myself in new things…some of which I have no business being immersed in. I like to think of myself as a perpetual beginner! Thanks as always for a great post. -Art
Art, I really appreciate your advice to immerse in new things! A great way to stay fresh and get new ideas (and stay humble too).
What a wonderful, rich post. The concept of beginners mind is a powerful one and one that our expert-loving culture often ignores. We need it to open to the world around us for those messages and insights we wouldn't hear otherwise. But we also need to know that there are times when expertise is a short-cut to performance. Knowing the recipe or heuristic can result in solving a problem so creative energy is available when needed.
Wally, thanks for stopping over and offering your kind thoughts. I appreciate the need for us to know when to be open to learning and when to pull out and use the expertise we have. Being human is pretty complicated, don't you think? Our ways of knowing when to turn on which behavior aren't perfect – I suppose thats where something called "wisdom" comes in?