A Teachable Posture: Why Mindset Matters
When I was about eight years old, there was a parable at the back of one of my textbooks and when I read it, it was as if something inside me just KNEW this was something I needed to remember.
I memorized it and never forgot it, but it has been some years since it came to the forefront of my mind.
Chatting with a friend this weekend brought it to mind again, and it occurred to me how relevant this parable is in the work I do as a leadership coach and empowerment enthusiast for women.
This simple parable speaks volumes about the various stages of awareness and knowledge. It serves as a reminder that not everyone is equally receptive to growth and learning.
The first verse:
“He who knows not,
and knows not that he knows not,
is a fool; avoid him.”
We all encounter individuals who are resistant to change, oblivious to their own limitations, and unwilling to explore new possibilities. These people are like closed doors, shutting themselves off from opportunities for growth and improvement.
For an empowerer like me, this rings loud and true—I cannot dance with folks like this—in my work or in life. Because these people are resistant to wisdom, change, and new perspectives.
The saying, “I don’t suffer fools lightly” is one I resonate with. Not because I think I know it all—I absolutely do not!
It’s because I am a continuous learner, and I am always seeking to grow and evolve more. I simply cannot be around those who are content with being stuck or unwise in their approach to life.
And in my work as a coach, this is non-negotiable. If you are a fixed mindset person, we are definitely not a good fit.
The second verse:
“He who knows not,
and knows that he knows not,
is a student; Teach him.”
This speaks to having a learner’s mind which is the heart of being receptive to change. I believe every leader needs to embrace this mindset. Acknowledging our areas of weakness or uncertainty is the first step towards personal development.
By embracing our role as perpetual students of life , we open ourselves up to limitless possibilities for learning and growth. It takes humility and self-awareness to admit that there is always room for improvement.
In my line of work, those folks who have a student posture are the most receptive to coaching because their mindset is growth-oriented.
The third verse is interesting:
He who knows,
and knows not that he knows,
is asleep; Wake him.
Sometimes, we become so comfortable in our own expertise or success that we unintentionally slip into complacency. We may have accumulated knowledge and experience over the years but fail to recognize when it's time for further advancement. Does this resonate?
This state of sleep can hinder our progress by preventing us from reaching our full potential.
At this stage, the encouragement, guidance, and support of a coach can be game-changing! As the Brilliance Unveiler, I know a lot of the folks I’m meant to help are those who are blind to aspects of their brilliance!
They’re in essence, asleep to their light. And I help them see, value, and bring forth their light so they can be the beacon they’re meant to be.
As a coach and guide committed to the personal and professional development of myself and others, my role is to gently awaken such souls to their untapped brilliance—once they’re ready to unveil it.
Finally, the last verse:
He who knows,
and knows that he knows,
is Wise; Seek him.
Wisdom is gold. And valuing wisdom is….wise! This fourth stage represents the pinnacle of enlightenment—the wise individual who not only possesses knowledge but is acutely aware of it. Such individuals are heralds of inspiration and guidance, showing us the way forward.
What I love about this parable is that it speaks volumes about the various stages of awareness and knowledge. It serves as a reminder that not everyone is equally receptive to growth and learning.
What Stage Are You in Today?
The fool, unaware of their ignorance, remains stagnant, and resistant to change. The student, acknowledging their lack of knowledge, is a blank canvas ready to be enriched through teachings and experiences. The sleeper, the third stage, is the person who possesses knowledge but remains oblivious to it, unaware of the vast potential within.
As you navigate your journey, be mindful of the stages of knowledge you are in, particularly in different seasons of your life, and recognize the potential for growth in yourself and others.
By being open to coaching, guidance, and self-reflection, you are paving the way for your own success. Remember that it's not about knowing everything but rather having the courage to admit what we don't know and actively seek opportunities for improvement.
We all need different perspectives, feedback, encouragement, and understanding, but sometimes we tell ourselves we have to figure “it” out on our own. If that’s you, don’t keep holding onto that narrative. The support is here.
The real question is whether you’re willing to invest in yourself because you believe you have what it takes to level up with the right guidance.
Not sure. Just book time to explore how I can be of service to you HERE.
Let us be the students who eagerly embrace new lessons, the ones who can be awakened from our slumber, and the wise individuals who lead by example.
To your unveiling!
Natalie
The Brilliance Unveiler
As "The Brilliance Unveiler," Natalie Jobity leverages more than fifteen years of experience empowering hundreds of women as an image consultant and now as a leadership elevation coach & personal brand strategist of The Unveiled Way. She empowers heart-centered, high-achieving women seeking to make their divinely designed impact, to operate in their brilliance so they are positioned to lead authentically and unapologetically in their arena.
Natalie Jobity is an ICF-certified coach, bestselling author, mentor, speaker, and facilitator who recently published her second book titled, It’s Your Time to Shine, Girl: Own Your Brilliance, Step into Your Influence, and Lead Like a Trailblazer. This leadership development and empowerment book and her She Shines Affirmation card deck, will inspire women the world over to step into their purpose, and also give them the tips, tools, and techniques needed to succeed and thrive as a woman of influence.
Visit Natalie’s website to learn more about how she partners with purpose-driven women to propel them forward so their impact and influence increase. Discover your leadership posture and style by taking Natalie’s popular assessment, LeadHer Way Brand Identity Assessment.