Avoid the pitfalls of the "expert syndrome" by placing yourself in unfamiliar, challenging situations where you become "as a child." Beginning a new activity, allowing yourself to experience the awkwardness of not knowing, is a wonderful way to cultivate your "beginner's mind." As you struggle to remember the foot placement after your first ballroom dancing lesson, or the difference between masculine and feminine nouns after your first class in a new language, you'll deepen your empathy and appreciation for the person at work who is attempting to improve his presentation skills or implement a new account system.
-Michael Gelb, Best Selling Author, More Balls Than Hands
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