Mindfulness Meditation for Executive Leadership and Management

I’ve been working in the field of mindfulness meditation for 25 years now. Most of the people I’ve worked with sought me out because mindfulness was a practice they were already engaging in, or at the very least, interested in.

Others joined my courses skeptically, some might even say reluctantly. They were told to participate in a mindfulness course but did not really want to because of preconceptions they had.

One of the most common preconceptions about mindfulness meditation is that it takes “a certain type”. Someone deeply spiritual, perhaps a bit eccentric. Someone who starts their day doing yoga and drinking tea. But that’s not true.

The truth is, mindfulness meditation is for everyone and, most importantly, it can be beneficial to anyone and everyone – and executives are now catching on to this very fact.

More and more companies and executive strategists are applying mindfulness meditation. Having recognized the benefits not only for people in leadership and management roles, but the overall company environment at large, common preconceptions have made way for common practice.

How Mindfulness Meditation Benefits People in Executive Leadership and Management Roles

Mindfulness meditation is typically associated with relaxing — specifically relaxing the nervous system. And that’s already a whole lot in terms of physical and mental wellbeing. There is so much more to it, though.

Putting the practice into the context of a hectic, high-pressure business environment, what is it that people in leadership and management roles could gain from mindfulness meditation?

In a study led by James Van Auken for the Antioch University, he noted:

“Mindful leadership was found to be the ability to see oneself, others, the situation(s), the complexities and emotions at all levels (intra- and interpersonally), and then to step back, integrate it all, and with a humanistic approach—lead.”

There are two key items I want you to focus on here; one, is what it means to “step back”. The other, is the idea of leading with a “humanistic approach”. What happens when these strategies are applied in a corporate setting?

When we “step back” and , even for just a brief moment, simply observe the current situation, we can use it to reflect. And that moment of reflection might give us a new perspective; and with that, a whole new approach to the situation.

Which brings us to the second focus.

A “humanistic approach”. One would hope that all approaches are led with humanity and empathy, but in fast-paced corporate environments, this is often the first thing to go out the window.

Because, up until now, many leaders have felt they don’t have the luxury to step back and keep in balance the importance of keeping a highly skilled team together along with the need for action in the moment of stress.

Stepping back to take in the moment ultimately helps people to observe. Through observation, they can learn to truly register their surroundings: the energy, stress-levels, and people’s body language. Using this information, they can then decide and act accordingly.

The Ripple Effect of Mindfulness Meditation: Reaching All Areas of Your Life

Another element Van Auken identified as a significant advantage for mindfulness practices in leadership roles is the potential for it to “ripple out through one’s life in ways that take shape as some of the best practices across multiple leadership theories and models.”

So, in other words, the practices you apply in the office are bound to work to your same advantage at home. And your employees’ homes. And your family and their families.

After all, in both situations, you are aiming to lead your team – whether that be a team of employees, or the family team.

All areas of life can be stressful at times, requiring on-your-feet thinking (potentially in overstimulating situations) and tough decision making. And all of them can be met with the humanistic approach wherever possible.

Spoiler alert: it’s always possible. You just need the tools to help you do so.

Mindfulness Meditation Mentorship for Corporate Executives

If you are looking to learn the ways of mindfulness meditation to strengthen your assets as a corporate executive, you’re in the right place. I offer mindfulness meditation mentorship for corporate leaders in the NYC area and beyond.

As a leading teacher of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) I have developed an intensive mindful therapy and mentorship method designed to help you hone a positive approach in business and in all areas of your life.

Drawing on evidence-based methods, I will help you build a mindfulness practice that will help you navigate the challenges of executive leadership. Under my mentorship we will identify the areas of most importance to you and focus our sessions accordingly.

Book your 10-minute chat / consultation today and we’ll find a schedule and an approach that best suits you. We will then commence with one to three full mindfulness sessions each week and probably all the on-call consults you need. This method is highly personal and adapts as often as needed when circumstances change.

I look forward to building your mindfulness practice with you. 

Sincerely,
Donald Fleck, LSCW, MBA