It’s not an easy task but it is a rewarding one. It is a challenge to stay present in the midst of a chaotic day, but it can be even more challenging to remain present in a culture that does not resonate with your values. I have experienced both and prefer the chaotic day in a healthy culture to the calm day in a dysfunctional one. It wasn’t until I stepped away and moved into an opportunity to lead a group of people in transforming their culture that I realized the power of being a mindful leader. This group of people, they were broken. They did not trust leadership and for good reasons. I knew going in that I would have to spend time building relationships, earning their trust. In order to do this, I had to be sure I remained present and aware of my intentions. I wanted them to follow me because they believed in me as their leader, not because of the position I held. For this to happen, I had to be mindful of how my words and actions communicated what I valued. That did not mean I had to be perfect, as I did not expect perfection from them. One relationship at a time, a new culture was created. It was difficult work at times and still is. Some people needed to leave as they were consistently opposing the culture I was trying to create. Those were tough conversations, but being consistent with my expectations was crucial to rebuilding trust in those who were choosing to stay.
It has been a little over two years since making this move and still, every single day, I spend time in the morning setting my intentions for being present. I realize that as the leader of this organization I set the tone. This does not mean I am responsible for the actions of others, but I do believe as leaders we are given the opportunity to influence others by the way we choose to treat them, lead them. I believe I was called to lead. Because of this, I also believe it is my responsibility to show up as the best leader I can be every day. This takes work, self-reflection, and genuine practice of self-improvement. I have great days and I have days when I must exercise the power of grace and forgiveness. Being a mindful leader is an intentional practice. It is a consistent practice of understanding and seeing how my words and actions, and those of others, have an impact on our lives. Truly being present with those in front of me takes effort, but as I work to be present every day it becomes more of an effortless practice and simply a way of life. I know I am a better leader because I choose to be mindful of those I serve. I encourage you to do the same. It will transform you as a leader and person. I know it has transformed me.
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