The increase in short-attention-span platforms and use of electronic devices likely contributes to a sense of stress, anxiety, and inability to stay in the moment. In an effort to create healthier and more productive work environments, mindful business leadership could prove an invaluable solution. Mindful leadership appears to be gaining traction in a way that re-imagines how professionals inspire, motivate, and relate to others. Organizations that integrate mindful leadership exercises and policies into the workday could outpace competitors.
A mindful leader typically embodies and communicates traits that inspire others in the workplace. These usually include enhanced clarity, creativity, focus, and cultivating a sense of compassion. To those in a mindful leader’s orbit, these attributes appear exceptional because distractions routinely impede their ability to live in the moment. However, seemingly innate mindful leadership traits can be developed and leveraged for professional goal achievement.
[Read More: Mindfulness at Work]
In many ways, mindful business leadership involves a method of managing sometimes pervasive stress triggers in industry. When entrepreneurs and other professionals manage stress effectively, mindful business leadership occurs that raises what a Positive Psychology report deemed “Psychological Capital” within the organization. According to the research, successful mindful business leadership requires the following four components.
Mindful business leaders are those who separate themselves from stressful incidents. They then control potential knee-jerk reactions sometimes prompted by upheaval and move forward with well-thought-out solutions. They also help to create a sense of psychological safety in their corporate culture.
Developing mindful leadership skills provides professionals with tools to navigate daily life while remaining in the moment. In a broad sense, practicing mindfulness can teach people to connect and control intuitions and emotions that might otherwise rule the day.
A Harvard Business Review article penned by emotional intelligence author Bill George emphasizes that mindfulness remains a “practice" that requires ongoing efforts. When practiced, business professionals gain clarity in the moment and enjoy a quiet mindset that positions them as authentic leaders. In essence, practicing mindfulness on a daily basis helps individuals from slipping back into stress-driven reactions.
Anecdotal information points to wide-reaching mindfulness benefits in everyday life and the workplace. Many people indicate that the practice helps them reduce stress and live a more peaceful life. Those qualitative benefits are not without merit. By that same token, research published at Mindful demonstrates quantitative benefits in the workplace as well. These include the following.
In environments where workers are tasked with increased expectations, responsibility, and productivity, industry leaders might be well-served to integrate mindfulness meditation programs.
[Read More: Cultural Change in the Workplace]
Modern business leaders may be tasked with qualities beyond traditional intelligence and confidence. Mindful business leadership integrates those traits with thoughtfulness, awareness, and intuitive compassion. These mindful-based attributes were once considered standard outside the competitive halls of industry. Examples of mindful business leadership may include the following.
A savvy mindful leader may be inclined to infuse practices into the workday. This, in itself, projects a sense of confidence and compassion because it offers others an opportunity to learn and reduce stress. The notion that mindful leadership exercises are conducted on the clock will not be lost on employees.
It’s essential for mindful business leaders who wish to expand the practice company-wide to include exercises formally. This means crafting policies and designating times when specific mindfulness practices occur. These may include the following examples.
Integrating policies and practices that support mindfulness can deliver long-term productivity and employee retention benefits. As employees develop their mindfulness skills, the organization could be grooming them for future mindful business leadership roles.
Few disagree that practicing mindfulness supports an emotionally healthy and focused lifestyle. But including it into an organization’s philosophy sends a powerful message. Mindful leadership delivers a sense of thoughtfulness, focus, and compassion not necessarily found in competing corporations. That’s largely why mindful business leadership distinguishes an organization.
Want to learn more about becoming a mindful leader? Sign up for a live demo of Grokker.