Mindfulness is a simple concept that has really taken hold in the past years and for obvious reasons – it is effective and helps elevate performance and results. But did you know it is an ancient practice that has helped countless people cultivate compassion, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence?

For such a simple concept, it has a profound impact and developing your mindfulness can truly help you anchor yourself as a leader and stand out from your competition.

Mindfulness is particularly essential in our new hybrid work environment. As a leader, you must juggle not only your own tasks and well-being every day, but that of your team, so it pays to be as mindful as possible.

Another reason to be mindful is that all the technology in the world will never replace human interaction and emotions. Yes, technological advances can help us do our jobs. But they may also enable unproductive multi-tasking, which creates a split in our focus that is not effective. Why? Because the human brain cannot do two things well at the same time.

As a leader, you need to recognize that if your people are distracted and unfocused, you will compromise your goals and that of the organization.

Why Mindfulness is So Important for Organizations

When mindfulness is embraced by organizations, business becomes more collaborative, productive, and engaging. And if you’re looking to reduce absenteeism while increasing creativity and decision-making skills, this is your number one reason to embrace it.  

Becoming More Mindful as a Leader

Mindful leadership means knowing how to tune in to your own self-awareness, which allows you to respond appropriately to people and situations.

Cultivating your own mindfulness practice takes time. But the payoff is worth it. I suggest starting by doing activities such as meditation, exploring nature and art, or whatever helps bring you into the present moment. And here’s more.

3 Ways to Make Your Organization More Mindful

The following tips will help you and your team develop a mindful approach to work:

#1 — Set a Mindful Example for Others

As a leader, you set the tone for your people based on how you are showing up. People can sense when you are deliberating being mindful and self-aware. They will see that you are both present and engaged and will want to follow suit. They will also be appreciative of the way in which you operate around them and be more engaged as a result.

#2 — Create Space for Mindfulness in Your Organization

Companies that have a physical space within their offices for meditation, yoga and other mindfulness practices have more engaged, focused, relaxed, and productive employees. The same can be said of virtual spaces as well. However, the space is not what gives people the mindful edge. Encourage your employees by giving them the time off they need to take advantage of these activities.

#3 — Take Time to Refresh, Reflect and Re-set

Pausing for mindful reflection in between big projects and deadlines is a great way to encourage employees to check in with their present state of mind and general well-being. These occasional pauses allow people to catch their breath, take stock of their feelings of accomplishments, and gear them up for the finish line.

These insights may seem simple but following them can produce impactful outcomes. Like any worthwhile habit or best practice, the trick to being mindful is being consistent in practicing it. You cannot measure outcomes if you are not consistent in your efforts. When you are, you will see and feel results that will elevate you, your people, and the entire organization. 

Are You Ready to Create a More Mindful Organization?

If you need support developing mindfulness for you and your people, I’d love to hear from you. You can email me at joanne.trotta@leadersedgeinc.ca or call me at 1-855-871-3374 to learn more.