What if I told you that one of the keys to becoming a better leader isn’t about challenging yourself to have all the answers, but instead, embracing the mindset of a beginner?
It may sound counterintuitive, but putting yourself in the position of a novice—feeling uncertain, asking questions, and welcoming new ideas—can unlock leadership potential in ways few other efforts can. On some level, we accept the idea that it’s beneficial to challenge ourselves to try new things, but when was the last time you were truly a beginner at something? If your answer is “way too long ago,” perhaps it’s time to brush up on why it’s beneficial to be a beginner every now and then.
Leaders often fall into the implicit trap of believing they have to be all-knowing to be competent. People look to them for answers, support, and wisdom all day long, and knowing how to get stuff done is usually part of the job. Over time, the expectation of constant expertise can actually become a burden if being counted on for answers means you’re uncomfortable or unwilling to be in situations where you don’t have any. Some leaders will unconsciously resist new challenges because they fear their uncertainty in unfamiliar territory may threaten perceptions of their professional competence. The most impactful leaders understand their role isn’t to know everything – it’s to facilitate learning, growth, and problem-solving with their teams. This is where the beginner’s mindset comes into play.
What is a Beginner’s Mindset?
Simply put, the beginner’s mindset refers to the openness and curiosity we have when learning something for the first time. It’s about approaching a new situation without preconceived notions, assumptions or judgements. In contrast to the expert mindset – where we rely on past knowledge and experience – the beginner’s mindset encourages us to be present, open to learning, and humble in the face of uncertainty. Embracing what it means to be a beginner means we’re forced to set aside our ego, ask questions instead of providing answers, and admit we don’t know something.
Why should leaders embrace it?
I’m not sure about you, but I can think of several leaders over the course of my career who could have used a little less time feeling like they know everything and a little more time challenging themselves to learn something new. Leaders who have the courage to put themselves in situations where they have to fumble their way through to proficiency, not only build individual character, but foster positive effects beyond themselves to benefit the teams and organizations they serve. Leaders who challenge themselves to be beginners:
Foster Curiosity and Innovation by learning how to question assumptions and explore new ideas. This curiosity drives innovation, empowering teams to think creatively and stay adaptable in rapidly changing environments.
Build Resilience Through Discomfort. Leaders who regularly step into unfamiliar territory become more adaptable and better equipped to handle uncertainty, crises, and challenges.
Encourage Team Collaboration. By embracing their own limitations, leaders create an inclusive environment where team members feel empowered to share their expertise. This collaborative approach fosters a stronger, more cohesive team.
Break the Perfectionism Trap by promoting a culture where failure is a learning opportunity. This shift encourages risk-taking, creativity, and continuous improvement.
How to Cultivate a Beginners Mindset
Now before you dust off those watercolor brushes and try to find that sourdough starter recipe you gave up on during Covid, we should probably cover how to encourage our teams to embrace a beginner’s mindset right along with us. Here’s the strategy I often give to my clients:
1. Lead by Example
It’s easy to tell your team to adopt a beginner’s mindset, but it’s far more impactful when you model it yourself. Challenge yourself to be a novice every now and then, and be open about your learning process. Share stories about the new things you’re trying, the failures you’ve experienced, and the lessons you’ve learned along the way. When your team sees you embracing learning and uncertainty, they’ll feel inspired and empowered to do the same.
2. Ask More Questions, Provide Fewer Answers
Being the leader often means people look to you for answers. But embracing a beginner’s mindset means resisting the urge to always provide solutions. Instead, focus on asking thoughtful, open-ended questions that spark curiosity and critical thinking. By doing this, you encourage a culture of exploration and creativity when problem solving with your team. Reward the process of inquiry, not just the act of solving problems.
3. Create a Safe Environment for Experimentation and Failure
One of the biggest obstacles to adopting a beginner’s mindset is fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, and fear of the consequences of not knowing. As a leader, it’s crucial to create an environment where people feel safe experimenting, failing, and learning from those failures. When teams understand that failure is part of the process, they’ll be more willing to try new things and push the boundaries of what’s possible. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects of mistakes, celebrate the lessons learned from failures.
4. Make Learning a Core Value
A beginner’s mindset is rooted in continuous learning. As a leader, you can set the tone by making learning a priority not just for yourself but for your entire team. This doesn’t mean just encouraging people to take training courses or attend seminars (though that’s important); it also means fostering curiosity, asking for feedback, and constantly reflecting on what can be improved. Experienced leaders know how to develop opportunities for their teams to experience being beginners together. Try sampling new software or practicing workplace trends you hear about on social media – anything that levels the experiential playing field and encourages figuring it out together.
5. Encourage Reflection
Reflection is key to growth. After every new experience, project, or challenge, take time to reflect on what you’ve learned, what could have gone better, and how you’ve grown. Encourage team members to share what they’ve learned and how they overcame challenges. This practice not only helps solidify new knowledge, but it also makes you more aware of how you’ve progressed and increases your comfort in unfamiliar territory.
One of my favorite quotes is “the quality of your life is directly proportional to the amount of uncertainty you can comfortably live with.” Learning something new is more than gathering a new skill. It’s about challenging ourselves to wade in the uncomfortable waters of uncertainty, and develop our tolerance for not having all the answers. It’s about staying open to new ideas, embracing a culture of continuous learning, and developing the confidence to navigate the inevitable challenges our professional lives bring. When leaders embrace a beginner’s mindset, they not only enhance their own quality of life, but also pave the way for their teams to develop their own comfort with uncertainty.
So the next time you’re faced with something unfamiliar and have the opportunity to be a beginner again, embrace it! Take advantage of life’s little opportunities to try something new and see what wonderful things are on the other side of the certainty you’ve been comfortably living with. You’ve got this.
Danielle Terranova is the voice behind Leadership Lessons with Danielle.
She has been an executive coach since 2015 and owner of Terranova Consulting, LLC since 2019.
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