IT Leadership

Focus. Energy. Team leadership. Three facets of the same golden thread weaving through the tapestry of our professional lives.

Focus is the bedrock upon which all other aspects of professional prowess are built. Keeping our energy levels high is essential to maintain our performance. And yet, without a trustworthy compass to steer our focus, it dissipates, and our energy splutters out. This is where team leadership comes in.

The guidance and direction provided by skilled leaders keep us focused on what matters most and help us avoid pitfalls, freeing us to use our energy effectively. But where do these leaders gain their skills? The answer may surprise you.

Recent research has shown that mindfulness techniques build skills that resonate through all three facets, giving leaders the tools they need to guide their teams effectively and empower each individual to achieve their highest potential.

This article will discuss the ways mindfulness enhances focus, energy, and leadership skills. But first, we’ll explore the obstacles that hinder our focus and energy and limit our leadership potential.

The Limits of the Expert Model

*The expert model* has been the dominant paradigm of our time. Come up with a hypothesis, test it, and draw a conclusion. If the conclusion is favorable, apply the same strategy again and again, succeeding each time.

But this linear way of thinking has its limits. Particularly in a world that prizes creativity and adaptability over repetitive processes. In such a scenario, the expert mindset will only take you so far.

This is especially true for team leadership, where adaptability and creative thinking are paramount. Mindfulness offers a way out of the rigid expert model and into a space of infinite potential.

The Mindful Leadership Paradox

Mindfulness is a way of thinking that allows us to recognize and acknowledge our thoughts and feelings without judgment. A space where we can accept what is, as it is, free from the good or bad evaluations that limit our potential.

This mindset, coupled with the ancient mindfulness techniques, builds the solid foundation for focus and energy management and primes us for leadership. But, how?

Well, leadership requires a deep understanding of oneself and others. It calls upon us to guide and inspire, to provide structure and insight, to know when to lead and when to follow. The mindful leadership paradox is that mindfulness makes us better leaders by focusing on none other than ourselves.

To lead others, we must first lead ourselves. To lead ourselves, we must cultivate a deep understanding of our thoughts, emotions and the world around us. And, this is where mindfulness comes in.

The Mindful Leadership Manifesto

1. Mindfulness Creates Laser Sharp Focus

Staying focused on a singular task is increasingly challenging in today’s interconnected world, where notifications and alerts vie for our attention. This fragmentation of focus slows our work, decreases the quality of our output, and drains our energy.

Mindfulness helps us address this by improving our ability to focus in the now. By accepting things as they are in the present moment, we remove distractions and can focus on what matters, free from judgment.

This state of being is often referred to as *flow*, a psychological phenomenon defined as the optimal state of consciousness when we are engaged in our task and using our skills to their highest potential. Mindfulness helps us reach this state and stay there, focusing our energy where it matters most.

2. Mindfulness is a Source of Sustainable Energy

Staying energetically focused on a task without mindfulness is a challenge. Our attention dissipates, and we lose steam, becoming vulnerable to fatigue and procrastination.

Mindfulness acts as a conduit, allowing us to tap into our energy reserves and direct them where they will be most effective. This subtle, but powerful, shift enables us to work more efficiently and sustain our energy throughout the day.

By avoiding the peaks and troughs of adrenaline-fueled work, we enter a state of *dynamic balance*, where we engage in challenging tasks, rest, and restore our energy in a balanced and sustainable way.

This is the foundation of resilience, and it starts with an intentional commitment to mindfulness.

3. Mindfulness Develops Emotional Intelligence

Emotional intelligence is an ability to understand, manage, and express emotions effectively. It enables us to read situations accurately and respond in ways that are aligned with our values and goals.

This is a crucial skill for leaders, as it allows them to empathize with their teams, understand their needs, and provide guidance and direction.

Mindfulness empowers us to recognize our emotional triggers and manage our responses. Instead of reacting instinctively, we respond thoughtfully, guiding our emotions rather than being guided by them.

This self-awareness and regulation naturally extend to our interactions with others, enhancing our ability to provide calm, focused leadership, even in times of stress or conflict.

4. Mindfulness Builds a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the understanding that our abilities and intelligence are not fixed, but rather can be developed through learning and practice. This mindset encourages a willingness to try new things, take on challenges, and keep growing.

When we approach our work and interactions with a growth mindset, we open up new possibilities for innovation and creativity. This often requires us to step out of our comfort zone, which in turn can activate our stress response.

It is here that the power of mindfulness really shines. Research has shown that mindfulness activates the *smart stress response*, engaging our higher cognitive functions and enabling us to view stress as a positive challenge, not a threat.

With this response engaged, we are able to think more clearly, make sound decisions, and stay connected to ourselves and others, even in challenging situations. This is the essence of a growth mindset, and it starts with a commitment to mindfulness.

How to Lead Yourself with Mindfulness

Mindfulness is more than a set of tools or techniques. It is a way of being that can transform our lives and our work. But how do we get started with building mindfulness?

Here are some foundational techniques to help you lead yourself mindfully and, in turn, empower your team.

1. Start with Self-Reflection

Take a moment to consider your leadership style and the impact it has on yourself and your team. Ask yourself some essential questions. Is it serving you well? Is it serving your team? If not, what needs to change?

This self-reflection provides an essential foundation for growth and helps you identify areas for development. It also helps you clarify your values and goals, which guide your leadership.

2. Create Mindfulness Practices

Mindfulness is more than a single practice; it is a way of life. Try starting with some simple, yet impactful, mindfulness techniques:

2.1. The Body Scan

This technique helps you develop an awareness of your body and the sensations held within. This is particularly helpful for developing your ability to focus on one thing at a time.

Practice Body Scan Meditation

Find a quiet place to sit or lie down.

Close your eyes and focus on your breath.

Start to scan your body, noticing each part from toes to the top of your head.

As you do this, notice any sensations, emotions, or thoughts without judgment and then return to your scan.

Set an intention for the day ahead.

2.2. The Check-In

This practice helps you become more aware of your emotions, thoughts, and physical sensations throughout the day. It allows you to step back, reflect, and make any adjustments you need.

Practice The Check-In

Set an alarm for various points throughout your day.

When the alarm goes off, pause for a moment.

Take a few deep breaths and check in with your body, thoughts, and feelings.

Notice any tension or distractions without judgment and then return to your day.

2.3. The Mindful Break

Taking mindful breaks is essential for recharging and restoring your energy. Use these breaks to reset your focus and direct your energy where it is most needed.

Take a Mindful Break

If you’ve been sitting at your desk, stand up and move for a moment to reset your posture.

Take a few deep breaths to your belly, then breathe normally.

Focus your attention on your breath, following its flow through your body.

3. Create New Leadership Habits

Mindfulness creates space for developing new habits that are aligned with your values and goals.

These habits can be as simple as:

• Starting each day with a moment of reflection
• Taking a mindful break every hour
• Pausing to check in with yourself and your team throughout the day

These practices will help you develop a leadership mindset that is intentional, focused, and adaptive.

4. Seek Out Support

Mindfulness can be a challenging journey, and it can be helpful to have the guidance of a trained professional to help you navigate the process. Consider finding a coach or therapist who understands mindfulness practices and how they apply to leadership.

They can help you uncover any blockages that may be hindering your progress and provide you with support and guidance to help you reach your potential.

5. Lead with Empathy and Compassion

As you begin to cultivate mindfulness, you’ll likely notice an increase in empathy and compassion towards yourself and others.

This is a natural outcome of shedding judgment and embracing acceptance. Embrace this change, and lead with empathy and compassion. It will guide you in providing support and guidance to your team.

Compassion is a source of strength, not weakness. It empowers you to make tough decisions, provide constructive feedback, and offer guidance with a human touch.

6. Embrace the Present Moment

Mindfulness helps us accept things as they are in the present moment, freeing us from the shackles of judgment. This state of acceptance allows us to focus on the task at hand and approach challenges with a clear head.

As you begin to lead yourself mindfully, you’ll notice your focus sharpening, and your energy stabilizing. You’ll be better equipped to face challenges, and creativity and inspiration will flourish naturally.

Mindfulness takes practice and patience. But with commitment, it will empower you to take control of your focus, energy, and leadership potential.

In the workplace, this starts a ripple effect, uplifting those around you and empowering them to do the same. From focus to energy, from self to team, mindfulness is the cornerstone of effective leadership.

I hope this has been helpful!