“Even if I knew that tomorrow the world would go to pieces, I would still plant my apple tree.”
— Martin Luther
At VIM Executive Coaching, we clearly don’t want your world to go to pieces tomorrow however, we do endorse you to plant the seeds of mindful executive leadership.
Our hope is that you never “give up on leadership,” or feel you’re too old (even too young) or too unimportant to be an effective leader.
You never know
As business coaches, we emphasize that understanding how to be an effective executive leader is a journey, not a quick fix, not a weekend “intensive,” or listening to a 1-hour podcast or motivational speech. Great executive leaders are nurtured, so they are in turn, effective nurturers in their workplaces.
The most effective executive leaders “are not any one thing.” That is to say, whether optimists or pessimists, new executives or staring down retirement, fearful or fearless, anyone can be an effective and mindful executive leader. However, it takes an understanding and a deliberate approach.
Our first observation on mindfulness training for potential or current executive leaders is that no one ever knows. The corporate world as anyone knows it, can and does go to pieces. Mergers, acquisitions, internal reorganizations, retirements, co-workers accepting outside offers, all of it can and often does, lead to opportunity. Mindfulness training prepares executives (regardless of their style) to become more effective leaders.
When an opportunity does appear, how will you be prepared? VIM Executive Coaching is expert in assisting executive leaders to be prepared through mindfulness training.
Understanding the Garden
No one, especially the experienced gardener or mindful executive leader expects what is impossible to expect. This point requires clarification. There are (to our knowledge) no commercial coconut groves near Fairbanks, Alaska nor expansive rice paddies in the Sonoran Desert. Not only are the climate conditions mismatched, but soils, nutrients, water and many other factors.
The mindful executive, in a similar fashion, understands the challenges and opportunities and the people who can effectively work together to carry out a mission. The mindful executive understands true compassion and authenticity in relating to others, just as an experienced gardener would not expect a planted orange tree to have a vigorous bloom or even survive in Minnesota!
Nevertheless, there is a great deal of latitude that allows gardens to yield – and thrive – in marginally unexpected and sub-optimal conditions with innovation, adjustment and protection from the elements.
However, it is certainly possible for several adaptable crops to thrive in both conditions. It is a matter of awareness and acceptance of what is possible.
Be Adaptable and Mindful
Effective and mindful executive leaders similarly, through flexibility, adaptability and communication can gain the respect and support of co-workers. It comes down to admiration in a sense for what others can do and to allow those employees to grow and shine in the moment.
The gardening analogy, of course, can only go so far, but mindfulness is without limitation.
Mindfulness is as ancient in philosophy as ancient China, and is as relevant today as the latest AI software. How can this be? Mindfulness allows executives to open their minds and hearts to possibility. It is an enabling concept, where anyone through self-reflection, understanding of others and what is around them, can grow in their leadership roles.
We are pleased to discuss how mindfulness training can transform your organization.