Why Mindfulness is Key for Managers: Focus, Calm, and Better Performance

Mindfulness is a buzzword right now, and many studies highlight its benefits for reducing stress and improving decision-making.

But what exactly is mindfulness, and is it just another workplace trend, or is it here to stay?

Mindfulness vs. Mindlessness

Mindfulness is about learning to pay focused attention to the present moment and raising your self-awareness. It allows you to rise above your ego and make balanced decisions.

Mindfulness training helps you develop a calm detachment that lets you see issues or people more clearly, without personal pride or snap judgments clouding your thinking.

By freeing the mind from old patterns, mindfulness can spark a new level of creativity that can revolutionise your management performance.

As a manager, would you prefer to be mindful or mindless? When you put it like that, you start to appreciate the importance of learning mindfulness techniques.

It’s Not All About You: Your Mindfulness Impacts Others

While it’s great to be happier, more productive, and less stressed at work, mindfulness offers benefits that go far beyond personal satisfaction.

As a manager, your role is to get the best out of your team. Studies show that when managers practise mindfulness, their employees experience less emotional exhaustion and higher job satisfaction and performance. Mindfulness has also been shown to increase empathy and improve social relationships, which are crucial for a healthy team dynamic.

You’ve Already Experienced Mindfulness By Accident – Now It’s Time to Learn How to Tap Into It

Many people think mindfulness begins with meditation, but you already know what mindfulness is because you’ve likely stumbled upon it by accident!

Think of those occasional days where you walk around in a state of calm clarity. You can handle criticism or dissent without a flare of fear or anger. The buzz and stress around you quieten, and you can focus on exactly what you’re doing. Aren’t those great days?

Practising mindfulness is about learning how to access that feeling of calm, centred focus whenever you need it. It helps you manage stress, focus when it’s hard to concentrate, or detach your ego when it’s being challenged.

Stephen Mackenzie, a psychologist and author on mindfulness at work, says mindfulness is “focusing our attention on what is, rather than being distracted by what isn’t.” The good news is mindfulness can be learned.

Mindfulness Techniques to Adopt at Work

1. Mindfulness is Total Focus

It’s not about rushing from task to task or letting your mind drift. To achieve focus, approach your day in a way that encourages flow. Limit multitasking. Schedule blocks of time for single tasks, and when your thoughts drift, take deep breaths and refocus on the task at hand.

2. Mindfulness is Freedom of Thought

It’s about freeing yourself from rigid thinking or sticking with “how things have always been done.” Embrace new ideas and challenge the status quo. Try approaching tasks as if you’re encountering them for the first time to find the best solution.

3. Mindfulness Avoids Pointless Worry

Managers often spend time worrying about things that may never happen or worry in ways that don’t lead to solutions. Mindfulness helps you step off the “what-if” hamster wheel and brings calm and perspective to a stressed brain.

4. Mindfulness Recognises When You’re Stuck

It’s not about spinning your wheels when you’re stuck on a task. A mindful approach allows you to notice when you’re bogged down and take a break—whether it’s a walk, deep breathing, or a two-minute meditation—to free up your brain and return with fresh perspective.

Why Mindfulness is Worth the Effort

Practising mindfulness can lower your stress and improve your performance. It can also help your team be more productive and enjoy their work more. With mindfulness training sweeping the corporate world, it’s worth asking: as a manager, do you want to be mindful or mindless?

Thanks 

Alex & The Excel Team

P.S. If you would like to discuss any of your learning & development challenges for 2023, call us on +44(0) 1628488 854.

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