Benefits of Mindful Leadership
There are more than 400 scientific studies showing mindfulness in life and the workplace can reduce stress, increase concentration, improve decision making and inspire creativity.
Mindfulness has been associated with improving life experiences by removing common discriminatory and judgmental thoughts.
It may also promote a sense of well-being by teaching leaders effective self-regulating skills so that they can stay focused on the moment.
And the Benefits of Mindfulness Continue
Mindful leadership can help businesses cultivate a culture focused on intrinsic motivation to increase a sense of meaningfulness, choice, competence, and progress in their work.
There are many benefits to mindful leadership. These three areas that show a significant positive influence in the workplace.
Clarity
Studies have shown that mindfulness contributes to a sense of self-concept clarity. Clarity has a stabilizing effect that promotes psychological well-being. With more focus and attention, mindful leaders can make decisions free of distraction.
In fact, Emory University found that mindfulness enhances emotional regulation as well. So, teams led by executives who make fewer emotional decisions will feel more stability and positivity in the workplace.
With a clear mindset, people remain attentive longer, which can greatly improve performance in the workplace. Many companies using mindfulness training have found clarity can reduce stress and, in turn, improve the work environment and employee interaction.
Intel adopted mindfulness training early on and continues to use it today as it has helped increase employee focus, creativity, and mental clarity. Other companies such as Keurig Green Mountain have also embraced a mindful culture as clarity helps all workers became more disciplined when completing tasks.
Performance
Improving work performance is a priority for every company, for both its leaders and employees. Mindfulness helps change habitual thinking that can stagnate performance. When leaders can break free of preconceived notions that inhibit adaptation, they are better equipped to handle problems and help others.
Practicing mindfulness can reduce habitual thinking, thereby allowing workers to process insights and problem solve more effectively. Mindfulness helps people let go of problematic habits and beliefs. By removing a rigid approach to problem-solving, leaders can learn new ways to create and adapt.
A more flexible nature is also beneficial when receiving the feedback or input of others. Handling challenges in the workplace becomes much easier for a mindful leader, and thus performance improves too.
Performance was another area Intel reported positive changes with mindfulness training. Workers were better able to improve ideas and engagement during meetings. The exchange of ideas in a mindful culture enhanced individual and group performance during special projects by improving interaction between teams.
Confidence
Several studies have shown that mindfulness meditation contributes to a positive self-attitude and to self-compassion. Self-confidence empowers a mindful leader to find the right voice and lead in a manner that demonstrates positive values, such as respect. Executives who instill an authentic leadership model inspire and motivate colleagues and employees.
Strong leaders have the confidence to try new approaches to problem-solving. Mindfulness promotes new ways of thinking so managers can observe situations from a more neutral position.
Confidence allows leaders to assess their motivation and goals. They can then effectively use persuasion and inspiration, instead of intimidation, to empower workers to meet company objectives.
Mindful leadership helps nurture meaningful careers for employees. Mindfulness in all levels of the workplace promotes focus, increasing competency and encouraging growth in a more productive work environment.
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