Kochie’s Business Builders
Very few of us would say that we are more industrious when working under pressure in an environment of toxic emotions and constant stress.
We know, in our heart of professional hearts that we perform at our best and are most efficient, when we’re confident, ‘fairly’ relaxed, and at ease- essentially when we feel comfortable with ourselves, and the world around us. In this state, the neurons in our brain sense ‘safety’ and fire at peek efficiency, helping us to feel competent, effective and happy. Life is good, we love living it, and working hard with our team to achieve an outcome is a buzz.
How do we generate this dynamic ideal in the workplace? On the odd morning, we might awaken in that headspace naturally and carry its positive, engaging, productive energy with us throughout the day however…it can also be promoted by a ‘mindful’ office environment that strategically promotes the individual disciplines required to achieve it. How does this work, what does it look like and why does it generate greater productivity?
Let’s define it. A mindful workplace thrives as a ‘culture’, which is purposefully created through planning, preparation, training and role modelling by its leaders. Employees in this kind of environment are constantly in the process of honing their levels of self-awareness in an effort to enhance their emotional intelligence, build stronger relationships, better manage their stress, empathise more, judge less, focus intently, listen well and communicate more clearly. When enough of these ducks line up, projects are undertaken with less mental fatigue and emotional resistance… the job flows at optimum speed.
Here are 3 reasons why a workplace focus on the discipline of practising the soft skills of mindfulness can translate into increased productivity:
1. Less ‘Aggressive’ Conflict
Isn’t conflict just conflict? Can it be ‘less aggressive’ and isn’t conflict required to drive decision-making and innovation? Yes indeed, but there are two types: One is emotionally disruptive, when it is about being right, in control, one-sided or winner takes all. In this case, productive outcomes are sacrificed for time focused on defensiveness and a lack of openness, flexibility and trust. Decisions tend to be suspended for longer periods of time in a cloud of disagreement, resentment and frustration. Instead, a mindful workplace puts emphasis on engaging in conflict that we might define as healthy robust discussion or debate- the hallmark of which is a focus on staying objective, being solution focused, and having sensitivity to and respect for others’ opinions. Working with a mindset of win-win keeps colleagues positive, and outcome driven, allowing a group to reach creative decisions with more speed, emotional wellbeing and efficiency.
2. Heightened Confidence
Work cultures have the potential to be fertile ground for the darker side of our nature, sometimes breeding unhealthy competition levels, secrecy, selfishness and disempowerment. Under these circumstances personal and professional confidence stands on shaky ground and our negative, self-doubting inner voice has a field day. What helps our self-assurance lift, is being surrounded instead by a self-aware workforce- one trained to engage in inclusive, supportive, enabling behaviours. In this environment of increased emotional safety, colleagues have the opportunity to feel professionally validated, appreciated, and valued. This stimulates the motivation to excel and maximises their potential to generate desired business outcomes.
3. Reduced Stress
Point #1, plus point #2 equals Point #3- Less of the distracting sort of stress. Reduced anxiety levels leave an open door for positivity, excitement, and a healthy sense of urgency, essentially the ‘good’ stress that drives industriousness. Mindfulness as a ‘practice’ has far reaching benefits to our general sense of wellbeing in the world, and enhanced productivity at work is one of many.
Muffy Churches is the author of Coach Yourself, and is an internationally recognised integrative success coach. Born in the US and settled in Sydney, she works as a corporate trainer, executive coach, speaker, author, and counsellor. She has extensive experience in inspiring and initiating positive behavioural change in clients around the world. For more information visit www.muffychurches.com or contact: connect@muffychurches.com
