MINDFULNESS, LEADERSHIP AND COACHING

I have been talking about the art of spiritual leadership and coaching throughout my blogs. I believe that it is imperative to not only grow our organizations,teams,families and groups,but to grow ourselves as well. As a leader, coach, mentor or parent, the self growing and expansion process is a spiritual exercise. You are a spiritual being having a leadership experience, not a leader having a spiritual experience. You are spiritual in nature with a body,mind,heart and soul. You are a whole person...you were born and will die. Leadership of any kind is first and foremost, a human endeavor. This human element in business,athletics and life is often sacrificed at any costs for "the bottom line"...results,outcomes,winning and advancing. However, it is now known ( although rarely understood and implemented) that the more attention we give to the human factor, the attention to personal growth and development, the more happy and productive we will all be. Therefore, I suggest that we consider our existential imperative to be one of emotional engagement . Relating to those we lead as spiritual-emotional beings rather than statistic machines who "get it done" is a great start.  One way that his can be facilitated is by being fully present and available  through a daily practice of MEDITATION . Such a practice helps you to relax, focus and be willing to understand the role of spirituality in transforming the way you see your work and it's relationship to the bigger picture of life. After all, work,sports and other activities are perfect forums for personal transformation and growth.  Such mindfulness ( awareness) practices as meditation  will help you to develop compassionate, warm-hearted, people-oriented leadership styles and thereby be better positioned to influence, empower and inspire those you coach and lead.
    My favorite meditation technique is "insight" or Buddhist vipassana meditation, a time-honored SKILL ( it is a skill that is practiced and learned)  of calming the spirit and clearing the mind by using our breathing as a focal point. Meditation helps you to become more mindful and present. This awareness process helps with all aspects of life, business,sports. The Los Angeles Lakers, under the guidance of coach Phil Jackson have used meditation as a way to reach full potential. It is a simple process that when practiced on a consistent basis, will have carry over into the way you lead and coach. There are many books that will help you to learn this easy mindfulness practice. My book, "THE WAY OF THE CHAMPION" is one such book that demonstrates the method I use with all of my athletes,  coaches and business leaders. Let your leadership style create an opportunity for personal,emotional and spiritual growth not just for you but for anyone under your guidance...and transform your world in the process.