Mindsets

A mindset is a way of thinking about things that can either be a helpful or a hindrance in diffferent situations. For example, experts are unwilling to admit that they don't have an answer. They react like hedgehogs and become defensive, uncooperative and removed from real-time. Beginners on the other hand respond like octapuses, continuously exploring their environment, learning afresh how best to respond to the here and now.

New situations need new strategies. It is necessary at times of rapid change to keep an open mind and be willingness to learn and adapt.

"In the beginner's mind there are many possibilities.
In the expert's mind there are only a few"
Zen Teacher - Shunryu Susuki

In a rapidly changing environment leaders need to look afresh and encourage others to question and inquire, exploring alternatives and creating new possibilities. This takes courage, a youthful spirit, imagination, positive thinking and self-confidence. It is the opposite of compliance which is about regular maintenance, problem-solving and reviewing past performance.

Ideas are only useful if people are willing to consider them. Opennes is in the mind of people. You have the choice to adopt an open or a closed mind. An open mind favours listening and collaborating with other and a desire to learning and improve - continuously.

The mindset of a real change leader is looking for actions that will be guideposts to future change. The focus is on clarity of purpose, questioning of assumptions, appreciative inquiry, making a contribution, building capacity, collaborating and getting a result that is valued by everyone involved.