Stillness, insight, and wisdom arise only when we can settle into being complete in this moment,  without having to seek or hold on to or reject anything.  ~Jon Kabat-Zinn

We often give others the advice that we ourselves need to take to heart.  That goes for recommending books. Keep that in mind while considering my summer reading suggestion, The Mindful Leader- Ten Principles for Bringing Out the Best in Ourselves and Others.

I recognize the value of mindfulness and have meditated intermittently since my college days. But often, I’ve placed my desire to succeed in the corporate world ahead of other interests.  This book, by Michael Carroll, is a reminder to integrate mindfulness into all aspects of one’s life, including work.

Carroll, a Buddhist-trained HR executive, informs us that cultivating mindfulness enables us to be present while attending to our work.  Western business types will likely find his book more accessible than some of the more esoteric books that provide instruction on meditation.

Most people understand that meditation techniques can help reduce stress and burnout.  But practicing mindfulness helps us to rediscover something about being human.  By being present – by noticing the world we inhabit – we tend to bring out the best in ourselves and in others.

“By opening to our experience—without any conditions, hopes or fears—we cultivate the talent of confidence, and expressing such confidence is the key to inspiring a fearless, dignified, and joyful workplace,” says Carroll.

Carroll believes that the simple act of being present requires courage.  I think he’s right. His book is a reminder that the time to hit the reset button is always now.

I’d love to hear your views on this subject. What are your experiences with mindfulness in the workplace?  Do you practice mindfulness meditation?

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Would you like more information?

Michael Carroll discusses this book and demonstrates mindfulness meditation to Google employees in this video.

Suggested reading:  Any of Jon Kabat-Zinn’s books on mindfulness, including my favorite, Coming to Our Senses–Healing Ourselves and the Wolrd through Mindfulness.

One of my favorite authors on this subject is Daniel J. Siegel whose book, The Mindful Brain: Reflection and Attunement in the the Cultivation of Well Being, delves into the neuroscience of mindfulness.  It’s a superb read for those who want more information on this subject.

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The U.S. electorate is about to make its choice. The next president will be tested by an epic global economic downturn and a domestic crisis in leadership.  Even before he takes office, he’ll need to inspire confidence in his approach. He’ll have to build a consensus with leaders of the opposition and will have to choose some of them to join his team.  Governing in this environment will demand extraordinary leadership skills—sound judgment, character depth and an even temperament. 

I’ve been reflecting lately on the virtues of leadership. I’ve thought about how heads of state in the U.S. and around the world have met challenges as vexing as these.    

I keep returning to Jim Collins’ popular book, Good to Great. He analyzes how companies go from being merely good performers to achieving sustainable great performance.  In identifying success factors, he noticed that truly great companies were led by what he termed “Level 5 leaders”—individuals who possess a rare and seemingly contradictory blend of intense drive and humility. Collins observed that these leaders demonstrated an abiding commitment to the long term success of their companies rather than advancing their own personal agendas.

What’s relevant to the U.S. election is that Level 5s used their fierce determination and humility to build consensus around tough, often unpopular choices that brought about radical but necessary changes–something the next president will have to accomplish.              

Interestingly, Collins later observed, “We live in a culture that doesn’t pick Level 5s as subjects of admiration.” He added, “And that’s unfortunate for the business world, as well as the world at large.”

Among U.S. presidents, Lincoln seems have best embodied Level 5 traits. His humility along with his fierce determination to keep the country united guided the tough Lincoln to make tough and, at times, unorthodox decisions.   In her book, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Doris Kearns Goodwin describes how a humble, painfully shy Lincoln forged an administration of his opponents, building a coalition that enabled him to govern during the most perilous time in the nation’s history.   

Collins doesn’t delve extensively into temperment, character or managing style but I’m convinced that these qualities matter to a leader whatever the environment. And in times of crisis, temperament and character are paramount.  

Historically, great leaders made tough choices which were often unpopular at the tinme.  They had their share of failures and missed opportunities, but ultimately they succeeded.  What we learned from their effective stewardship is that leadership matters.  Character and temperment do count.    

By now, most Americans have figured out what they’re looking for in their next president. They’ve seen both men in a wide range of situations and they’ve observed how each has run his campaign during the last 22 months.  Voters will judge both men on the basis of the choices they’ve made, how they’ve articulated their vision, and the kinds of people they’ll consult. 

Whatever the electorate decides tomorrow, one thing is certain, the next president will face challenges as great as any since Washington, Lincoln and FDR.  He’ll need every possible advantage.

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