3 Japanese Concepts to influence your Headship
As many of you know, I'm an avid traveler, as well as a dedicated advocate for intentional well-being. In my coaching circles, I frequently stress the significance of changing your environment (and booking holidays!) to enhance well-being. Currently, I'm eagerly researching a future trip to Japan. You might be familiar with my discussions on Ikigai, the Japanese concept of 'core purpose,' promoting fulfilment and purposeful living. Its popularity in the West aligns with the pursuit of work-life balance and well-being, mirroring growing self-help trends. Beyond Ikigai, there are other Japanese philosophies worth exploring for enhancing leadership values and personal well-being. Here are three lesser known Japanese concepts to delve into further, which I think are particularly helpful for navigating a values -led headship:
1. Wabi-Sabi 侘び寂び
Wabi-Sabi, a Japanese concept, celebrates imperfection, impermanence, and simplicity's beauty. Integrating it into well-being practices promotes self-acceptance and appreciating the present moment. In headship, embracing Wabi-Sabi involves recognizing unique strengths and imperfections within a team, fostering an environment aligned with the school’s core values for acceptance and growth.
2. Kaizen カイゼン
Rooted in continuous improvement, Kaizen emphasises making small, incremental changes for improvement, or a preferable term, ‘betterment’. Applied to well-being, it encourages consistent, positive habits for long-term improvement. In leadership, Kaizen supports a culture of continuous learning. For school leaders, incorporating Kaizen means nurturing an environment where small, positive changes align with the school’s vision and values, promoting sustained growth and the well-being of the team, including happy teachers!
3. Omotenashi おもてなし
Omotenashi, translated as 'hospitality,' goes beyond mere service, involving anticipating needs and providing heartfelt care. Integrating it into leadership emphasises empathy; genuine concern for team members, and creating an inclusive, supportive work environment. Embracing Omotenashi fosters a culture where hospitality extends to authentically understanding and meeting unique needs, promoting a sense of belonging and well-being among team members, much like our own ideal of inclusive and equitable education.
I hope that sharing these concepts from the Far East will prompt positive reflections on how they can influence your perspective and values-led leadership.
