The Great Man and the Zen Master
“All learning begins with two things: silence and an open mind.”
—Timeless Proverb
The appointment was made for the Great Man by his Secretary’s Secretary. “He wants to learn from you!” she said. “He’s had me studying and searching out the great teachers of Zen, Art and Philosophy. We’ve discussed your work with your peers and clients who all sing your praises! We’ve concluded that you are the best in your field and we’d like to have the Great Man spend time with you to benefit from your wisdom!”
The Master gravely acknowledged the compliment, and agreed to the visit.
On the appointed day, the Great Man arrived with his retinue: two Advisors, a Secretary, three Experts and the Chief of Staff. As the entourage entered the room, the Great Man exclaimed about his interests in the Arts, Zen and Philosophy. He complimented the Master’s reputation. He detailed the research he had conducted on the skills in question, the books he had read and the lectures and TED Talks he had attended. He asked his advisors to weigh in on the importance of the work they were undertaking and the contribution the Master might make. The Chief of Staff related the communication protocols they would put in place to schedule, monitor and conduct communication. The Experts all commented on their own studies in the field and their unique perspectives.
And then, the appointment was over… The retinue made its way back to their conveyances and the departure niceties were completed.
As the caravan disappeared over the hill, the Master looked at his assistant curiously and said, “Did I say anything earth shaking?” The assistant replied, “Sir, I don’t believe you were able to say anything at all…”
“Had they stopped talking for a moment,” said the Master, smiling, “I might have.”
Applications
1. For You
Want to learn? Get next to a teacher, ask for help and shut up! Learning begins with interest and silence. There are tons of people with wisdom and lessons to teach. But if you’re busy doing something else, watching something else, distracted by something else; worried about something else, you cannot learn. So tamp down the alternate activities, decide on what interests you and pay attention.
2. For the Family
Kids are full of expression, engrossed in their devices — and anything but able to meet someone’s glance and hold it until a real conversation takes place. Spend a little time teaching them to LOOK at a teacher and wait for the lesson or conversation to begin. They’ll stand out in class and in public for the ability to allow the leader to lead.
3. For the Office
Is there someone you admire at work? What about an elder with a Big Reputation? A Founder, still on the premises? Think of the lessons there. What if you made a short list of questions, sent them along in advance and proposed a lunch or coffee? You don’t have a Patron or a Rabbi yet, but this is how those relationships get started. And don’t for a minute think that everything in business is just happenstance. Those who can cultivate such relationships have untold advantages.
He may have been a “Great Man,” but he wasted an opportunity while polishing his credentials. If you wish to discover something, you must first stop talking.
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