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Taken from www.LeadershipNow.com
Warren Bennis suggests that we learn to observe closely and accurately. To become what writer Saul Bellow calls a "First-Class Noticer." This part of what he considers to be the single most important attribute of successful leaders.
Essentially being a “first-class noticer” means to get out and learn as much as you can.
Primarily we must learn how to learn. This involves some introspection to discover just how you learn and then to get out and do it. Expose yourself to that which is not "common" to you. Be open to experience. Bennis states that “when those who lack adaptive capacity hit a rough patch, they tend to shut down and scar over. The fortunate remain hungry for experience no matter how severely they are tested.”
Look for experiences that are new and different and seize opportunities. Develop relationships with people who are different from the people you ordinarily have relationships with, especially those that come from different backgrounds and age groups. See movies and plays, read books and visit museums. These will broaden your outlook and develop a deeper well from which to draw from.
Shihan Henderson's Comment:
The above passage is very applicable to the martial art's practitioner. Where you read "leader" you can also replace the word with "student" or "Budoka". In the martial arts we teach students to always be open to new experience and in that way you will always grow. Never think that you have mastered the art but that you are a life long student ever seeking new knowledge. Being open to new experience and new relationships is the foundation for the martial arts and those students and leaders who continue to remain open will increase their knowledge and continue to grow.
So be brave, open your heart and mind and most of all: seek that which you don't know !!!!!
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