Have you ever watched a child discover something new? Their eyes light up with wonder, and they approach the experience without assumptions or preconceptions. This is the essence of “shoshin” (初心), the Japanese concept of maintaining a beginner’s mind – and it holds transformative potential for how we build and nurture professional relationships.
Shoshin teaches us to approach each interaction with fresh eyes and an open heart, regardless of our experience level. Think about how this might transform your next networking event or coffee meeting. Instead of entering with predetermined notions about what you’ll gain or who you’ll meet, you arrive with genuine curiosity and openness to possibility.
When we embrace shoshin in our networking practice, magical things happen. That CEO you assumed would be unapproachable might become a valued mentor. The industry newcomer you might have overlooked could offer fresh perspectives that challenge and enrich your thinking. By releasing our preconceptions, we create space for unexpected connections and insights.
Practicing shoshin doesn’t mean disregarding our experience – it means preventing that experience from blocking new opportunities for growth and connection. It means asking questions we think we know the answers to and listening deeply to each response. It means approaching each conversation as an opportunity for discovery rather than a transaction to complete.
Today, I challenge you to bring a beginner’s mind to your next interaction. Release your assumptions about networking, about certain industries or roles, about what you might gain or give. Instead, approach each connection with genuine curiosity and openness. You might be surprised by what – and who – you discover. In fact, you might be surprised to discover that shoshin is a concept that applies not only to relationship-building, but to every aspect of life.
Happy Networking!