Another reason why kindergartners are awesome

In the journey of lifelong learning and professional growth, there’s a beautiful Japanese (Zen Buddist) concept known as “Shoshin” which translates to “beginner’s mind.” Shoshin is about approaching life with openness, eagerness, and a lack of preconceptions, much like a beginner would.

In fact, the phrase that is sure to raise eyebrows the fastest on any team I’ve been a part of is to answer the question “Why?” with the common refrain “Because that is the way we have always done it here.”

My daughter, Hadley, is a kindergarten teacher and she regularly tells me about how “profound” some of the questions and comments are that come from her 5-year-old students that have see the world differently because they don’t yet know the way the world works — and I argue that can be a good thing for your team.

Since change is hard, it’s often helpful to step back and see your team from the eyes of a beginner or outsider.

While experts are invaluable for their depth of knowledge, they often see limitations where beginners see endless possibilities. The beginner’s mind is a powerful asset — it invites innovation, creative solutions, and the courage to challenge conventional wisdom.

It’s also why I love to challenge organizations with the question, “Why not?”

Whether you’re stepping into a new role, learning a new skill, or exploring uncharted territory in your field, maintaining a beginner’s mind can lead to discoveries that might otherwise be overlooked by a more seasoned perspective.

This concept in business was made famous by pioneers like Steve Jobs and Salesforce, CEO Marc Benioff, and again recently by James Clear.

What new possibilities can you see today?