Jedidiah 'Jedi' Alex Koh is the Founder of Coaching Changes Lives, Asia's leading Coaching Firm Specializing in Team Leadership Development.
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“How do I lead my teams better?”
“Are there any new concepts to leadership that could help my global teams?”
These are typical questions raised by my clients when I am coaching their leadership team. And through the years, I realized that leaders want to solve their problems with the fastest solutions they can find without asking themselves what the real problem is. They look for models, frameworks or steps to resolve pressing issues. However, people and team development is a much more complex task, and no one model, whether integrative or eclectic, could ever holistically provide a robust enough solution or approach.
Through my travels and learning, I discovered that by approaching the challenge from a principle base approach, we could contextualize better. And I adapted my experiences in Japan when I noticed how the people of Japan treated water with such respect and honor. "mizu" is the Japanese word for "water." In English, water is just water, but mizu is so much more than water. It contains the philosophical truths about self-leadership, honor, patience, virtue and many principles relating to business and organizational growth.
The mizu philosophy provides a comprehensive framework for developing effective leadership skills when leading a global team. By incorporating the 10 principles of the mizu philosophy into leadership coaching conversations, leaders can become more adaptable, flexible and resilient in the face of challenges. These principles emphasize the importance of collaboration, inclusivity, transparency, empathy, continuous improvement and mindfulness.
By embracing these principles and cultivating a growth mindset, leaders can help their team members reach their full potential, build stronger relationships and achieve their goals, leading to a more successful global team.
Here are the 10 principles of the mizu leadership philosophy:
1. Flexibility
The Japanese concept of "yūgen" refers to the deep and mysterious beauty of nature, emphasizing that change is inevitable and should be embraced. Leaders should adopt this mindset and remain flexible in their approach to leadership. By being flexible, leaders can better navigate the challenges that arise when leading a global team, such as changes in cultural norms or unexpected issues.
2. Adaptability
"Shikata ga nai" emphasizes the importance of accepting and adapting to situations beyond one's control. Leaders must be adaptable in their communication style to accommodate for language barriers and cultural differences. By being open to different communication methods, leaders can build trust and strengthen relationships with their team members.
3. Resilience
Persevering through challenges and maintaining a positive outlook is the concept of "gambaru." Water is powerful and can weather any storm. Leaders need to have resilience and be able to handle challenges that may arise when leading a global team. Resilient leaders are those who are optimistic, persistent and able to inspire their team members to keep pushing forward.
4. Collaboration
The importance of harmony and collaboration is espoused by the Japanese philosophy of "wa." A global team should work collaboratively to achieve common goals. Leaders need to encourage collaboration, facilitate communication and empower team members to share ideas freely. By fostering collaboration, leaders can help their team members work together effectively, leading to better results and a stronger team.
5. Inclusivity
"Omotenashi" refers to the spirit of hospitality and inclusivity. Leaders should strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all team members. This includes valuing and embracing cultural differences and providing equal opportunities for all team members to contribute and excel. By promoting inclusivity, leaders can create a sense of belonging, foster creativity and strengthen team morale.
6. Transparency
Transparency and honesty are highly valued in relationship building and it's emphasized by "makoto," which brings out the importance of this duality. By providing clear and honest communication, leaders can foster trust and build strong relationships with their teams. Transparency can help prevent misunderstandings, facilitate open communication and enable leaders to address issues proactively.
7. Perseverance
The best way to express the sense of perseverance is "nana korobi ya oki." This phrase, which translates to "fall seven times, stand up eight," embodies the idea of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. It emphasizes the importance of persistence and the willingness to keep going even when faced with setbacks and challenges. This expression is often cited in Japanese martial arts and is also applicable in the context of leadership, where leaders must be persistent in their efforts to achieve their outcomes and support team camaraderie.
8. Empathy
The spirit of understanding is "amae," which refers to the embodiment of empathy and care. By understanding the different perspectives and experiences of team members, leaders can build stronger relationships and create a supportive work environment. Empathetic leaders are those who are able to connect with their team members on a personal level, building trust and respect.
9. Continuous Improvement
"Kaizen" is a widely-known Japanese concept that highlights the importance of continuous improvement. However, it's not just about improvement but the mindset shift to strive for growth. This includes providing feedback, identifying areas for improvement and offering opportunities for professional development. By promoting a culture of continuous improvement, leaders can help their team members reach their full potential and achieve their goals.
10. Mindfulness
Being focused, aware and mindful are essential to the Japanese concept of "zanshin." Leaders can embrace this focused state by being mindful in their approach to leadership, paying attention to the current moment and being fully present in their interactions with their team. This includes actively listening, practicing empathy and being fully engaged in the conversation. By being mindful, leaders can build stronger relationships, promote open communication and create a more positive work environment.
Incorporating the mizu philosophy into leadership coaching conversations can help leaders develop the skills necessary to lead a successful global team. By embracing flexibility, adaptability, resilience, collaboration, inclusivity, transparency, perseverance, empathy, continuous improvement and mindfulness, leaders can build a strong and cohesive team that can weather any storm.
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