Clearing the Mind for Leadership
To lead effectively, one must be self-aware, maintain perspective and have a calming and inspiring presence even in strenuous times. However, the reality is it can be hard to achieve these qualities while keeping up with the hectic pace of customer and employee demands and a constant flow of information and deadlines. A strong leader needs to be able to see through all of the clutter and prioritize his or her efforts to truly be effective.
Many leaders faced by these challenges are turning to meditation. What is meditation? Meditation is taking time out to be quiet and aware so you can find peace in the here and now. It is taming the mind to be focused on the present moment. Meditation uses focused breathing techniques to silence the constant chatter of the mind and provides relief from stress with a renewed sense of clarity. And, there is more and more evidence that meditation works. Scientific research continues to tout the benefits of meditation, which range from everything to reduced stress and illness, improved ability to learn and emotional regulation, and all around general happiness.
But with everything else going on, who has time to meditate? Contrary to common belief, mediation can happen anywhere (in a meeting, at the airport, waiting at a red light) and can be effective even if you only have a minute to dedicate. Online courses, such as the Daily Om’s One-Moment Meditation Jump start by Martin Boronson, teaches how one minute of medication every day can benefit your responsibilities as a leader and easily be incorporated into daily life. Such courses teach participants how to use meditation as a way to think with more clarity, be more effective in addressing difficult situations, and actually create more time in your day.
In an article last week in Inc. magazine describes how many leaders at highly respected companies (BNY Mellon, Facebook, Ebay, and General Mills) are turning to meditation as a way to refresh and focus on being a better leader. Google has set up a separate room so that senior leaders can have the opportunity to focus on meditation. Some executive coaches recommend meditation as a way to manage stress and improve performance. Managers report less stress and more focus and productivity. So, the next time you are feeling overwhelmed by the responsibilities of leadership, consider taking a moment to relax, breathe, and focus on the here and now. Om.
Daily Om One-Moment Meditation Jump Start:
http://www.dailyom.com/cgi-bin/courses/courseoverview.cgi?cid=222
Inc. Managize: Sit. Breathe. Be a Better Leader.
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