IT BEGINS WITH YOU

THE CHANGE BEGINS WITH YOU. TO CREATE THESE SPACES OF CREATIVITY, VULNERABILITY OF BEING ABLE TO HAVE OPPOSING OPINIONS AND STILL BE IN RELATIONSHIP, WE NEED TO BE SHOWING UP FOR OURSELVES IN THIS WAY. WE CAN TALK ABOUT THESE ASPIRATIONAL GOALS BUT IF WE ARE NOT AWARE OF OUR OWN INTERNAL PERSONAL CULTURE THEN OUR IMPACT IS NOT GOING TO FOLLOW THROUGH. MINDFULNESS IS THE VEHICLE THAT GROWS THIS TOOL OF SELF-AWARENESS. A DEFINITION FROM THE MINDFUL NATION UK REPORT DEFINES MINDFULNESS AS “PAYING ATTENTION TO WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE PRESENT MOMENT, IN THE MIND, BODY, AND EXTERNAL ENVIRONMENT, WITH AN ATTITUDE OF KINDNESS AND CURIOSITY.”

Developing Mindful Self-Awareness

Definition:
Self-awareness involves how we process information and experiences.

Types of Responses:
Skilful responses vs. knee-jerk reactions or autopilot behaviours.

Importance of Self-Management:
Cultivating self-awareness informs what needs to be managed internally. Enhancing Social Awareness:

Improves understanding of others and our impact on them. Application in Leadership

Focus on Relationships:

Effective leadership is built on strong interpersonal connections.

Creating Positive Dynamics:
Leaders facilitate collaboration and trust among team members.

Mindful Self-Awareness creates a positive corporate culture in several ways: 

– **Better Communication** :
– Encourages active listening and thoughtful responses, fostering open dialogue.

– **Stronger Collaboration** :
– Promotes empathy and understanding, enhancing teamwork and cooperation.

– **Greater Creativity and Innovation** :
– Creates a space for free thinking and exploration of new ideas without fear of failure.

– **Resilience to Change** :
– Helps employees adapt to change by promoting a growth mindset and acceptance.

– **Psychological Safety** :
– Cultivates an environment where employees feel safe to express themselves and take risks.

– **Enhanced Leadership** :
– Mindful leaders model self-awareness and empathy, inspiring similar behaviours in their teams.