An ancient concept revived
Mindfulness has its roots in the Buddhist tradition. However, it wasn't until the 1980s that Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a professor at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, popularized it with his MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction) program, designed to help better manage stress and pain. Since then, this approach has made its way into the world of work, particularly in high-pressure environments.
How it works
While several definitions exist, one of the most enlightening is as follows: “Mindfulness is a state of awareness attained when a person deliberately focuses attention on his or her experience (internal and external), in the present moment, without judgment.”
It is a training of the mind that enables us to know ourselves better and to adjust to our environment. Cultivating this presence not only enables us to step back from events, but also to adopt more thoughtful and balanced behaviours.
Why take an interest in mindfulness in the workplace?
The benefits of mindfulness are numerous and well-documented:
- Reduced stress and anxiety.
- Improved concentration and memory.
- Reduced emotional reactivity and better management of priorities.
- Increased cognitive flexibility, enabling better adaptation to complex situations.
- Development of more harmonious working relationships and reduced conflict.
- Improved sleep quality and enhanced creativity.
Meditation and mindfulness: what's the difference?
Meditation is often confused with mindfulness, but there is a key distinction. Mindfulness is a state of mind that can be cultivated at any time by bringing attention back to the present moment. Meditation, on the other hand, is a structured practice aimed at strengthening this capacity to be fully present. If meditation is training, mindfulness is the application of this training to everyday life, whether in a meeting, in an exchange with a colleague or even while writing an e-mail.
How can you integrate mindfulness into your team management?
Many organizations today are adopting a “Mindful Leadership” approach. The challenge may seem ambitious, but by gradually introducing simple practices, it's possible to create a more serene and effective working environment.
Here are a few concrete initiatives:
- Start meetings with a moment of silence. This allows everyone to arrive mentally and physically in the discussion space, promoting better concentration.
- Encourage deep breathing before each new task. Before a call, e-mail or meeting, conscious breathing helps bring you back into the present moment.
- Promote micro-pauses. A 30-second to 3-minute break can make a big difference: stretch, breathe, move... It's all good for recharging the batteries!
- Adopt more attentive communication. Encouraging caring exchanges, based on listening and acceptance, enhances the quality of interactions and reduces misunderstandings.
Why not organize a collective brainstorming session to define initiatives adapted to your context? Team commitment will be all the stronger if these practices are co-created.
In conclusion
The most important thing is to focus on simple, repetitive gestures that encourage benevolence, openness and attention to oneself and others. In a hybrid work context, where interactions are sometimes more difficult to decipher behind a screen, these practices can make all the difference.
Finally, thoughtful integration is needed to prevent these initiatives from being perceived as a passing fad. By adopting them gradually and integrating them into management practices, you can maximize their benefits and create a more serene and productive working environment.
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