The Mindful Approach to Leadership

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We are already one month into the new year! Can you believe it? The new year brings a sense of renewal to everything I do. If you haven’t made a New Year's resolution yet, I challenge you to consider mindfulness.

Mindfulness can be applied to any aspect of our lives. How we work, our routines, how we interact with colleagues, our physical activity, and more. The American Psychological Association defines mindfulness as: the awareness of our internal state and surroundings. When I take stock of my internal state, it directly influences my decision making.  This practice can be applied to any situation for deliberate and tactful outcomes, especially in the workplace.

In an article by Harvard Business Review, the Dalai Lama and Rasmus Hougaard offer three key pieces of advice for leaders. They stipulate leaders should be mindful, selfless, and compassionate in their leadership strategies. When we implement these principles in a leadership setting, we not only set a good example for those in our workplaces, but we also bring a sense of calm and understanding that many chaotic workplaces desperately need. When our mind is calm, we are better able to manage our time effectively, make decisions rationally, and approach everything we do with a more grounded sense of determination. 

One of the primary benefits of mindfulness is the direct link it has towards positive mental health. Practicing mindfulness reduces anxiety and depression, helps us better understand our emotions, and cope with difficult feelings. As leaders, it is imperative we do everything we can to promote positive mental health in our workplaces. 

Mindfulness is one of the most important foundations of a strong leader. How will you approach your workplace and leadership roles with greater mindfulness this year?