Yoga without the stretch: 5 tips for leaders

Intention

Each yoga session starts with a clear intention. It can be relaxing, switching off after work, or sending gratitude to somebody. Your inner state is the base to create external changes.

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Begin every meeting by setting out your intention, including the ‘goals’ for the meeting but also the inner state (patient, engaged, friendly, decisive) needed to achieve them.

Relaxation

Relaxing briefly after a pose helps you to recharge quickly after expending effort and sustains the quality of the action.

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Take time – just a couple of minutes – after meetings and activities to release tension. Micro-breaks are key to sustaining energy. Stretch, stand up, and let go of what you no longer need (thoughts, emotions).

Breathing

Breathing trains the mind to quieten down, manage intensity and relax discomfort.

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Concentrate on your breathing for a few moments when you notice that your focus is wandering, especially when you start to feel unsettled. Exhale slowly and for longer than usual to clear your mind (you can do it while you talk).

Balance

In standing balancing postures, the feet are firmly on the ground and the gaze is fixed straight ahead. This pose is dynamic because it requires constant small adjustments to maintain it. Being both flexible and grounded is necessary to face unexpected events.

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What’s your strategy to deal with an uncertain situation? How do you find inner stillness when your team needs direction and you feel on shaky ground? List your strategies and consider how to learn new ones.

Staying present

It’s only human to glance at your neighbors to see if they can bend as far as you – but the goal is to stay ‘present’ for longer, not to be able to touch your knee with your nose.

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The fear of ‘not being good enough’ can derail you by shifting your attention away from the task at hand. Check regularly to see whether focusing on how others are performing is detracting from giving your best.