A Cup of Tea

Nan-in, a Japanese master during the Meiji era (1868-1912), received a university professor who came to enquire about Zen.

Nan-in served tea. He poured his visitor’s cup full, and then kept on pouring.

The professor watched the overflow until he no longer could restrain himself. ‘It is overfull. No more will go in!’

‘Like this cup,’ Nan-in said, ‘you are full of your own opinions and speculations. How can I show you Zen unless you first empty your cup?’

Just as the professor in the story above had to empty the cup of his mind of all previous knowledge, opinions and speculations, in business too we have to drop all previous theoretical knowledge and opinions and come in Zen when one approaches mentoring or coaching.

Likewise, the coach and mentor too needs to step outside of themselves and their knowledge and to approach each mentee or coachee fresh, with openness and curiosity. This approach helps both the mentee and mentor to remain open to what is – in the present moment.