Mindful meditation creates effective leadership…
In my past when I took on leadership of a department or hired and a new team member, I had a one-on-one with each person, asking not just the standard rudimentary questions like; “Tell me your strengths and weaknesses” or “Where do you see yourself in five years.”
I asked a simpler, more direct question. “Tell me what you like most about your job and what you like the absolute least.” Building an effective team is like piecing together a puzzle. Not that they wouldn’t have to do the things they didn’t like, we all do. However, if the team was large enough and what they didn’t like someone else did, then perhaps they would have to do it a little less. The theory being we do a better job at what we enjoy and are less effective at what we don’t. This helps to fit the puzzle together more effectively.
When a team member came to me with a problem, I didn’t spout out the first solution that came to mind. If it was a complicated issue, I would need to think about it a bit, but often I asked what they thought we should do. First and foremost, to see if we were on the same page, and if by chance we weren’t then it became a teachable moment to show what that page should look like and why.
When I held a team meeting, unless I had a really pressing issue, I would go around the table first to hear what issues the others had. In the process my list got smaller, but more importantly by clearing away their concerns they became more attentive to mine, and I would have a better understanding of where everyone’s head was at, in the moment. Research has shown that at any given time 47% of us are thinking about what we need to do next or what we want to say rather than listening or paying attention to what is right in front of us.
I’m not bragging mind you; these are simple examples of mindful leadership, which is about leading without ego and putting others ahead of yourself. It is also about bestowing a sense of calm and thoughtfulness into the creative, problem solving, inspirational process.
In her book Mindful Leadership Maria Gonzalez reminds us that mindful meditation exercises are the gateway to improved judgement, decision-making, time management, team effectiveness, productivity, on-the-job inspiration, and innovation.
Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, aware of the varying emotions, concerns and needs swirling around you. Do you have what it takes to be a mindful leader? To find out begin by asking yourself these questions.
What is motivating me to lead?
Am I leading purely for power and control?
Am I leading to serve or be served?
Am I leading to further the organizations’ goals or my own?
Countless books and courses have been curated on the subject, so I will not portend to address all of it here and now. This will be an on-going series.
In the meantime, take at least five minutes a day-preferably first thing in the morning-to sit comfortably, back straight, feet on the ground, arms, shoulders, and neck relaxed and breath slowly in through your nose out through your mouth. Focus on your breath and its’ relation to your lungs and abdomen. Cast out all distractions and count on the exhale to ten, then backwards to one. Do this at least once, optimally five times-and watch this space.
Thanks for stopping by.
G.
