Mindfulness is the process of actively noticing new things. Paying attention to what’s going on around you, instead of operating on auto-pilot, can reduce stress, unlock creativity, and boost performance. To be more mindful and encourage the practice within your team:
Adapted from "Mindfulness in the Age of Complexity" by Alison Beard.
- Make not knowing okay. Encourage your team to ask, “Why? What are the benefits of doing it this way versus another way?” Such questioning helps you recognize and take advantage of new opportunities.
- Imagine that your thoughts are completely transparent. If they were, you wouldn’t think awful things about other people; you’d find a way to understand their perspectives.
- Remember that stress comes from how you look at events, not from the events themselves. If you feel overwhelmed by your responsibilities, question the belief that you’re the only one who can do a task or that there’s only one way to do it.
Adapted from "Mindfulness in the Age of Complexity" by Alison Beard.
Companies with energized, motivated employees make an extra effort to create a superior experience for customers, who in turn reward the company with intense loyalty and contributions to its profit growth. This begins with leaders creating a culture that caters to happier, more engaged employees. First, give daily supervisors, not HR, the responsibility of stirring employee enthusiasm, energy, and creativity. Second, do regular “pulse checks” by conducting short, anonymous online surveys to truly understand team dynamics and see what can be improved. Finally, open up the dialogue between supervisor and front-line employee. Tap into the knowledge of your call center representatives, sales specialists, field technicians, etc., who know which aspects of the business most annoy or delight your customers – and let them know you’re really listening.
Adapted from "The Four Secrets to Employee Engagement" by Rob Markey.
Adapted from "The Four Secrets to Employee Engagement" by Rob Markey.