Forget Perfection

Let's be honest.  There's not a business anywhere that is without problems.  Business is complicated and imperfect.  Every business everywhere is staffed with imperfect human beings and exists by providing a product or service to other imperfect human beings.  ~ Bob Parsons ~

Most of our bad behaviors and choices comes from attempting to attain perfection.  The perfect product, the perfect customer, the perfect service, the perfect employee.  Let it go.  Mindful leaders know that it is more important to focus on the reasons we do what we do.  Why did you make this career choice?  Why did you go into this industry?  What value do you bring to the world? To society?  To your community? What is your purpose?  If you lead with a good intent, you will automatically do your best.  When you do your best, you let go of negative feelings and poor decisions.  When you try your best, that is in of itself perfection.

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 focus on always trying my best.

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.