LEADING BY EXAMPLE
You might be expect a high-minded metaphor about a captain guiding a ship through rough waters with a post entitled Leading By Example. Here you go…Your mindful, purpose-driven example is vital as you steer the ship with integrity and chart a course based on conscious choices. You inspire your crew by embodying the values they wish to instill. Just as a captain's actions determine the course of the voyage, so too does leading by example determine the direction and impact of leadership.
At the core of leading by example through mindful practices is the practice of self-awareness. You must know yourself if you are to lead others toward a deeper understanding of their thoughts, emotions, and motivations. Mindful practices can be a tool that reveals your authentic self, enabling you to lead from a place of genuine clarity and self-reflection. Just as a compass guides a ship through stormy seas, so too do mindful practices guide you in the challenges of leadership.
How present are you? Your presence gives your team permission to fully engage with the issue at hand knowing you are a part of the effort. When you give your undivided attention, your presence communicates a genuine concern and understanding. By cultivating presence, you learn the dynamics of your team, and create an atmosphere of openness and connection that encourages collaboration and growth. Solutions emerge naturally in this kind of atmosphere.
Leading by example through mindful practices also involves the practice of empathy, which fosters a sense of unity and mutual respect. Imagine a leader who steps into the shoes of their team, feeling their challenges and aspirations as if they were their own. In doing this, you become the conduit between different perspectives. So too do you inspire trust and camaraderie by demonstrating a genuine understanding of your team members.
One technique within the realm of leading by example through mindful practices is the morning mindfulness ritual. This is the time in which you set the tone for the day ahead. You employ deep, mindful breathing, self-reflection, and set the positive intentions for the day. Use this approach for even five minutes at the beginning of your day to create a foundation for decisions throughout the day. Your team will notice the difference.
Another technique involves mindful delegation. You may do this already. You delegate tasks with careful consideration and consider the strengths and capabilities of each team member. This produces a harmonious and efficient workflow and demonstrates the value of mindful decision-making and respectful collaboration. By delegating mindfully, you show the team that every contribution is important, and that each individual's skills are valued.
As a mindful leader your impact extends far beyond your office. It will affect your entire organization and the individuals within it because you lead with authenticity and empathy. By incorporating these techniques into your leadership style, you gain a deep sense of connection and purpose within the team. This is bound to have a positive effect on the quality of work accomplished and the bottom line.