A good leader can manage, but a great leader, a connected leader inspires and motivates. They have a solid connection to self and are able to organically connect with employees, teams and clients. Their decision making is less ego driven and their energy is more authentic and centered. Those leaders that integrate mindfulness into their lives are reaping the rewards and enhancing the well-being of their teams.
The research regarding mindfulness and leadership has uncovered that integrating mindfulness enhances leadership effectiveness and organizational well-being. Mindful leaders are self-connected, have improved emotional regulation and are more understanding of other’s emotions. They have higher emotional intelligence(EI) and are more skilled at creating corporate and organizational cultures that thrive.
Research demonstrates that those leaders that integrate mindfulness into their lives have less stress, are more resilient and adaptable and when it comes to decision making, are less reactive and impulsive and more thoughtful in their decisions (Doornich, Lynch 2024). The result? More inclusive, collaborative organizational cultures with higher job satisfaction and employee retention.
How Can Connected Leaders Integrate Mindfulness Into The Workplace?
Lead By Example
- Be a proactive communicator and decision maker. Manage the energy in your body first before connecting with employees or making judgement calls.
- Set the right energetic tone prior to meetings and conversations. Ask yourself, “Do I want my employees to match my current energetic state?” Energy is contagious.
Build Stronger Connections With Employees
- Acknowledge employees, it’s simple but can easily be overlooked in a busy workplace.
- Show appreciation and gratitude frequently, not just on celebratory occasions.
- Be supportive and compassionate regarding employees’ personal life challenges.
- Encourage your teams to prioritize their well-being.
Create Supportive Environments
Allow employees to self-regulate and manage their energy their way. Give them permission to:
- Exit the meeting space to quickly recharge and then rejoin in stressful situations.
- Take short walks or reset breaks throughout the day.
- Take extra time to generate creative ideas or contemplate decisions.
- Safely communicate. Create an approachable, solution oriented environment for employees to share thoughts and concerns.
- Create a work culture that embraces learning and growth.
- Create a calming space for employees to recharge when needed.
Get Support from Experts
Outsource mindfulness educators for presentations on well-being topics or integration tools. Employees appreciate resources to enhance their quality of life.
Prioritize A Healthy Work Environment
Strive to make mindfulness an essential component of the work environment. Create a culture where employees feel connected and supported frequently.
- Promote well–being initiatives, stronger connections and more thoughtful decision making and do it consistently.
- Address stagnant or negative behaviors immediately. Never allow energy vampires to consistently disrupt the environment.
- Go straight to the source. Ask employees for their ideas on integrating mindfulness in the work space. By identifying needs, you can make more conscientious integration decisions.
Integrating mindfulness not only enhances leadership and decision making but can inspire and motivate teams to thrive. Consider the profound impact mindfulness could have on your work environment and for team morale.
Reflections For Leaders
Do you consider yourself a mindful and connected leader? Why?
Are you currently sharing your mindful tools and insights with your team?
What’s holding you back from integrating mindfulness into your work environment?
What mindfulness resource can you integrate immediately?
If you are ready to explore leadership and mindfulness growth opportunities contact us
