Shut your mind up!

The word 'listen' contains the same letters as the word 'silent'. ~ Alfred Brendel ~

The best way to listen is to not only silence your mouth but silence your mind.  You often let your own biases and agenda keep you from listening. How do you develop as a leader if you are never silent around your those that lead.  Next time someone has something to say, shut down your feelings and open up.  In addition, don't always contribute...ask questions instead. You can't truely listen if you are too busy prepping in your mind what you want to say.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

"I quiet my own thoughts when someone is talking."

Don't Label

"It is ridiculous for any man to criticize the works of another if he has not distinguished himself by his own performances." ~ Joseph Addison ~

When you judge others, it says more about you than it does the person you are judging.  Do you rate people with an idealized scale of perfection that is not attainable?  When was the last time you called someone an idiot for a "dumb move?"  It is easier to give a global label to someone than it is to step back and weigh in on the error/mistake/faux pas.  You are not an instrument of flawlessness and you are fallible just like everyone else in the world.  You are also not necessarily stupid, incompetent or a jerk. When you practice mindfulness, you can begin to see mistakes as something you have or could have done yourself.  You become more humble and thus, people are more apt to open up to you, admit thier faults and trust you as a leader - if they see you as a real person.  This will clear the path to improvement - for both of you. 

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

I will be more humble and accepting.

Be Humble; Be Noble

Be humble for you are made of earth, Be noble for you are made of stars. ~ Serbian proverb ~

There is a duality that exists in leadership.  You must, at the same time, be a  charismatic-confident-visionary and a humble-inclusive-servant.  Leaders must be touchable but also special.  Do you accept both roles?  Can you see how the best leadership must find a way to practice assertiveness and humility?  People only follow those who are sure of themselves.  They will follow you if you feel you can lead the way.  At the same time, arrogance will not get you the respect you need to lead - think of it more as a special ability that is not about you but about the purpose or mission. Remember, this ability is a gift and you must be gracious.  True, it is a fine line, but there are no options to only be one or the other.  Lead with your head held high and your arms held out.

1. Close your eyes
2. Breathe
3. Empty your mind
4. As thoughts come in, acknowledge and whisk them away
5. Focus on your breathing
6. Think about the affirmation:

I will be humble and confident in my abilities.