Recently I presented a program at the state library association conference on “Mindful Management.” What is mindful management? Can it contribute to a more productive, more responsive organization? Michael Carroll, in his book, The Mindful Leader, enumerates ten talents he sees mindful leaders possessing–simplicity, poise, respect, courage, confidence, enthusiasm, patience, awareness, skillfulness, and humility.
As I see it, the new realities of the workplace include the following:
1. Our focus is increasingly short-term.
2. We have less time for reflection.
3. Change is inevitable, and the pace of change is accelerating.
4. Demands are increasing while resources are shrinking. (“Do more with less!”)
5. We have less time for ourselves; there is no emphasis on personal renewal.
Research has shown that mindfulness, stillness or meditation can have the following beneficial effects:
1. Repair immune systems
2. Heighten emotional intelligence
3. Reduce anxiety and depression
4. Sustain joy and satisfaction
5. Put us in touch with our innate wisdom
Where are we spending not just our time, but our attention? Are we leading with clarity, focusing on what really matters? Perhaps stillness can help awaken us from auto-pilot, put us in touch with “beginner mind.” Suzuki-Roshi said, “In the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities, but in the expert’s mind there are few.”
And mindful management may also lead to more meaningful connections. From Robert Frost: “Something we were withholding made us weak, until we found out that it was ourselves.”
What do you think?
I agree that much of our work is mindless. Often we are spinning our wheels doing meaningless and unproductive tasks that require us to multitask and get little of significance done. An interesting study recently found that people who multitask regularly do worse on all tasks (those that require multitasking as well as those that require sustained attention) than those who attempt to complete tasks with some level of mindfulness.
My thoughts on what these things mean…
simplicity: I must be myself. It is so much easier than attempting to be someone I am not.
poise: I will focus on my breathing.
respect: The thoughts and feelings of other people are as important as my own; I will listen more than I speak.
courage: When needed, I will be the one who says, “I disagree.” “I will do it.” “I will help you.” “This is the truth.” “This is not true.”
confidence: Because I am living an authentic life, I no longer fear being “found out”. This makes me feel confident.
enthusiasm: I will do things that I consider worthwhile. This helps me face the day with enthusiasm and joy.
patience: This one is difficult. Practice makes patience.
awareness: My back is straight. The sun is shining. I control my own destiny.
skillfulness: I will learn something new every day. I will share what I know. I will be at peace with failing and trying again.
humility: There will always be someone who knows more than I do, and I am grateful for that.
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