ANYONE can be a mindful leader. Literally, every leader can be a mindful leader. Don’t miss that point. No matter what your personality type or communication style, you can be a mindful leader.
Keep in mind though, that when your stress level is high, being mindful will be the most difficult. It is much simpler to be mindful when you are having a low stress, great day!
Take me, for an example. I have a very strong, dominant personality. I’m never NOT going to be categorized that way. And there are going to be days when my stress is so high that it is apparent that I am a bull in a china shop. But there are also going to be days when I can recover from that and be different. And people notice when you are doing it differently and that is where your wins are. It is often the subtle changes in your behavior, how you listen, etc. that makes you a mindful leader.
Mindful leaders are:
- Aware and present of the people and the environment. It is important to stop wishing everything was different, and talking about how you wish things were different.
- Self-aware. Every thought doesn’t need to be spoken, and many shouldn’t be. Carefully consider your words and your actions. When we are self‐aware as leaders, more people will listen.
- Emotionally intelligent. Make sure people know you care. Ask your team what they did over the weekend. Care about the things they care about, and take every possible opportunity to connect with your team.
- Empathetic. Putting ourselves in someone else’s place and realizing that our perception of reality is not everyone’s. Empathy, even when you don’t understand - and maybe most importantly when you don’t understand, is one of the most important things we can give our people.
- Lead from the inside out. It isn’t top down. It is inside out. Mindful leadership is about your heart, your values, who you are. It is about recognizing your weaknesses. Being inspired and inspiring. Surround yourself with people who inspire you.
- Being cool under fire. Act. Don’t react. If you have a tendency to be a hot head, catch yourself, and challenge yourself to find a pause, and respond in a cool collected manner.
- Accountability based on facts. Gather all of the facts so you have all of the information. Don’t take sides based on the first person who came to you. Understand the whole story.
Knowing what a Mindful Leader looks like gets you part way there and helps you recognize leadership qualities in those around you. Cultivate mindfulness in yourself, encourage it in others and Mindful Leaders will grow up around you.
Need help weaving mindfulness into the fabric of your legal organization? Email us at info@affinityconsulting.com or request a consultation.
