This may seem a bit distant, but inspiration often comes from unexpected sources: Zen master Dogen (1200–1253), the founder of the Soto Zen tradition in Japan, offers us insights that can lead to a deeper understanding of the art of leadership. Dogen invites us to explore how to be fully present, how to lead with authenticity, and how to meet life’s impermanence with clarity. As leaders, we can benefit from Dogen’s teachings in three specific areas: presence, flow, and unity.
Presence: Being Here, Now
Dogen once said: “To study the way is to study the self. To study the self is to forget the self. To forget the self is to be enlightened by all things.”
This teaching reminds us of the importance of being present in the moment. Many of us suffer from what might be called “the leader’s haste syndrome” – always rushing to the next meeting, the next project, the next goal. But Dogen teaches us that true leadership begins with being fully present where we are, now. When we listen to our team, face challenges, or make decisions, we should do so without distractions, with the awareness that this moment is all we have.
Action
- Practice active listening. When a colleague shares something, put your phone aside and give them your full attention.
- Introduce daily reflection sessions where you evaluate how you can engage with your team more authentically.
Through presence, we build trust and create an atmosphere where people feel seen and valued.
Flow: Mastering the Impermanence of Now
Dogen explores impermanence as a natural part of life. He wrote: “Time is presence. There is no time apart from this moment.”
For us as leaders, this means we must accept change as a constant. A team is never static – dynamics shift, projects evolve, and even our own roles change over time. Instead of resisting change, we must learn to move with it. This involves leading with flexibility and being open to new information, perspectives, and unexpected paths.
Action
- Regularly review strategies and objectives, and be willing to adjust them as circumstances change.
- Implement a retrospective culture in your team, where you reflect on what has worked, what can improve, and what needs to change.
- Encourage experimentation and learning from mistakes, emphasizing that change often leads to growth.
By embracing impermanence and flow, we strengthen our ability to lead through challenging situations with clarity and calm.
Unity: Leading with the Greater Good in Mind
Dogen emphasizes that we do not exist as isolated entities. Instead, we are inextricably connected to everything around us. He says: “To study the way is to be one with all things.”
This serves as a reminder for us as leaders. Our decisions affect not only our team or company but also customers, local communities, and ultimately the planet as a whole. Leadership is about more than the bottom line; it’s about understanding our place in the bigger picture and leading with regard for how we can contribute to a sustainable and just future.
Action
- Reflect on how each decision impacts various stakeholders.
- Consider how your leadership style affects those around you, and adjust it to promote collaboration and inclusion.
When we lead with unity in mind, we create an organizational culture that values the whole over the individual and fosters long-term growth.
Leading with Wisdom
Zen master Dogen challenges us to think differently about leadership. He invites us to see leadership as a practice of presence, acceptance, and responsibility for the whole. By integrating his teachings into our leadership practices, we not only become better leaders but perhaps better people as well.
TL;DR
Zen master Dogen teaches us as leaders the importance of presence, the ability to embrace change, and leading with a holistic approach. By reflecting on and implementing his philosophy, we can create a more conscious, flexible, and inclusive leadership style.
