Donald Trump, leadership and mindfulness

Many in Australia have been watching the US Presidential election race with bemusement.  Some have been watching with anxiety and fear. (Editors note - this post was written prior to the release of tapes where Donald Trump was belittling and demeaning women.)

As a potential future leader of America, Donald Trump adds to many people’s increasing feelings of annxiety and uncertainty.  News of Brexit, terrorism and the refugee crisis presents a world that appears more volatile and chaotic.   

Add in a changing job market (increasing use of artificial intelligence in the workplace, greater diversity in gender, age and ethnic background), and the constant demands that the 24/7 connected world brings - its no wonder the uncertainty increases. 

Volatility, uncertainty, chaos and ambiguity – the acronym VUCA describes what many people are experiencing.

There are excellent business models that help plan for business continuity through VUCA but what are the personal skills that can help take the focus from the apparently growing craziness, the constant overwhelm of tasks, or the complexities of managing in a diverse global world?

One of the key skills is mindfulness.  While it may be grounded in Buddhist teachings mindfulness has become mainstream with companies such as Google, IBM, Target, government agencies such as the US military, the British Parliament; all gain benefits from training employees in mindfulness.

Dr John Kabat-Zin who developed Mindfulness-based-stress-reduction describes mindfulness as ‘awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally’

The evidence shows that mindfulness reduces anxiety and stress.   It changes the brain to enable people to focus, to calm down, to develop patience and move from instant judgements. 

 Mindful awareness is a key skill in cultural intelligence as well as in leadership so it’s not surprising that we consider it critical for global leaders. 

Next time you find yourself responding with anger or anxiety to a news bulletin, or a presidential candidate, take a moment to notice your thoughts, step back from those thoughts and let them go by.

Then take a moment to remind yourself what is important to you, in your life and in your work, in this moment, and choose to get on with focusing on that.  That’s practicing mindfulness