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.

Apologize to Mend, Improve, Bond

An apology is the superglue of life. It can repair just about anything. ~Lynn Johnston

Even though you are a leader, you will not be perfect.  You will say the wrong thing, make the wrong decision or make a careless mistake.  Making mistakes followed by a sincere apology makes you stronger because it allows people to move on from the hurt and begin to start a discussion on improvement or repairing. Even if you don't think you did anything wrong but there is something amis start with an apology.  The focus is then taken away from any pain onto "what happened and how does this not happen again?"  When others see you, the leader, want to right wrongs they will feel a strong bond and willingness to follow.

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 apologize with sincerity to mend, improve, and bond."

Defend Against Complaining

Do not listen to those who weep and complain, for their disease is contagious. ~Og Mandino

The sure fire way to ruin a good mood is to listen to someone who is in a bad mood.  It can take away your energy.  It can put negativity into the fore front of your brain.  The place where you need to think and innovate. As leaders, you can't avoid having to listen to complaints.  They are a necessity for improvement.  However, if you get involved emotionally then you can become trapped.  Take the time to inoculate by preparing yourself mentaly.  Surely empathise and then understand that when others grumble you are to coach them into flipping their complaints into a solution.  This will help defend you from complainers putting you in that emotional trap.

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 emotional resilient to complaining

by coaching to solutions."