The Japanese art of Kintsugi, or "golden joinery," is a powerful metaphor for leadership in today's complex world. It is the practice of repairing broken pottery with a special lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. Instead of discarding broken items, Kintsugi celebrates their flaws and makes the repairs a part of a new, more beautiful whole. This philosophy is deeply rooted in the concept of wabi-sabi, which values imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness.
Applying this to leadership, setbacks and failures are not something to be hidden, but rather opportunities for growth and transformation. A leader who embraces a Kintsugi mindset understands that true strength comes not from appearing flawless, but from learning from challenges and emerging more resilient. This also means being proactive in addressing problems before they escalate.
Here are some ways leaders can embrace Kintsugi in their approach:
- Embrace vulnerability and psychological safety. Be transparent about your own struggles and failures. Sharing your experiences creates a safe space for others to do the same and builds trust. Leaders must create a culture where employees feel comfortable reporting issues without fear of blame. This prevents minor problems from escalating into major crises.
- Learn from mistakes. View failures as opportunities for growth and development. In a Kintsugi-inspired team, mistakes are not seen as reasons for punishment but as stepping stones to success.
- Foster a culture of acceptance. Create an environment where imperfections are not only accepted but also celebrated as unique parts of the journey. Highlight the value of diversity and inclusion, recognising the unique strengths and perspectives that each individual brings.
- Practice active listening and empathy. Listen to understand, not just to respond. Show compassion for others' struggles. This helps to mend relationships and build a stronger, more cohesive team.
- Build a growth mindset. Encourage a belief in the power of continuous learning. Help individuals and teams see challenges as opportunities for growth.
- Find the root cause. When problems arise, go beyond treating the symptoms and work to solve the root cause. This proactive approach helps to prevent the same issues from recurring and creates a more durable business. This can be achieved through "Gemba walks," or hands-on engagement, to gain insight into daily challenges.
By adopting these principles, leaders can build organisations that are not only resilient and adaptable but also thrive in the face of adversity, where imperfections are a source of beauty and strength.