Improve Leadership Results
In our hustle to measure performance, we have neglected ourselves. But there is measurable impact in being mindful, selfless, and compassionate in what the Dalai Lama refers to as “our basic human need for kindness and care,” in his interview with Rasmus Hougaard, The Dalai Lama on Why Leaders Should Be Mindful, Selfless, and Compassionate.
A common coaching objective I hear is about setting boundaries; how to deliver impactful results but not sacrifice self to do so. Back-to-back meetings, eating during calls at a desk, joining calls unaware of the topic, and expectations due to no prep-time earn the merit badge of “busy” and setting an example of deprioritizing care of self.
The shift can consist of changes of “one degree” that, over time, have a significant impact. When the Dalai Lama talks about what leaders can do, there is a common thread of trust. I’ll share my take that tends to be more business-centered than Buddhist tradition (and the first time I will openly ride on the coattails of the Dalai Lama’s teachings in a public forum).
| The Dalai Lama | Megan Broker | |
| Be mindful | Cultivate peace of mind. Establish spaces of trust to calm the mind and use our sense of reason. | Create intentional pause – in your communication, your response, your day. It can be breathing, getting out for a walk, stepping away for lunch as examples. |
| Be selfless | Have a genuine concern for others. | Make time for the small talk – learn something new about the people you engage about your day, not just at work, and share a bit about yourself for others to get to know you as a person. |
| Be compassionate | Warmheartedness toward all. | Pay attention to your inner values and map where you spend your time intentionally to them. |
How will you shift one degree to be a more mindful, selfless, and compassionate leader? To learn more about how to improve leadership results and become a more effective leader, contact Megan for a consultation.