“I didn’t expect this from a senior team member in my team.”

AK continued “I’ve hit a bit of a roadblock in our team dynamics. One of our team members, who comes with significant technical experience, seems to be struggling to adapt within the project in terms of domain-specific knowledge.”

GK: “OK.”
AK: “I thought his expertise would seamlessly integrate, but it’s proving otherwise. What should I do?”

GK: “Ah, the classic misconception that experience equates to immediate project assimilation. It’s a common pitfall.”
AK: “I made a terrible mistake by specially requesting my manager to add him to my team by considering his years of experience. Any advice on how to approach this?”

GK: “Don’t worry. It is a common thought process observed in many teams & managers. One can be addressed through the lens of Shu-Ha-Ri.”
AK: “Shu-Ha-Ri? Can you elaborate?”

GK: “Certainly. Shu-Ha-Ri represents the stages of mastery in Japanese martial arts. Shu is the stage of learning the fundamentals, where one follows the teachings of a master. Similarly, your team member may excel in technical skills but lacks domain knowledge, akin to the Shu stage.”
AK: “Interesting.”

GK: “Exactly. It’s essential to recognize that even experienced individuals need time to acclimate to new environments. This is where the Ha stage comes into play—questioning and adapting the fundamentals to fit one’s context.”
AK: “I see. So, what steps can we take to support him through this process?”

GK: “By fostering an environment that encourages exploration, questioning, and adaptation. Provide opportunities for your team member to delve deeper into the project’s domain, ask critical questions, and seek a comprehensive understanding beyond technical expertise.”
AK: “That sounds like a proactive approach. And how does Ri fit into this?”

GK: “Ri represents the stage of transcendence, where mastery is achieved through intuition and innovation. As your team member gains familiarity with the project’s domain, he should feel empowered to apply their expertise creatively, contributing to its evolution.”
AK: “Got it. By guiding him through these stages, we can help him unlock his full potential within the project.”

GK: “Precisely. You need to provide continuous support, feedback, and opportunities for growth.”
AK: “Thanks for shedding light on this, GK.”

GK: “You’re welcome, AK. Remember, the journey from Shu to Ri is iterative. Experience is valuable, but it’s the journey of continuous learning and adaptation that leads to true mastery.”