5 tips for leaders - Yoga mindset

When it comes to yoga, having the right state of mind is essential. The same is true of leadership. Here are some unexpected ways you can benefit from a yoga mindset and find the right balance without the poses.

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.

Leadership practice

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.

Leadership practice

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.

Leadership practice

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.

Leadership practice

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.

Leadership practice

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.

Key learning

Despite the current (mis)perception that yoga is about insane flexibility and being able to balance perfectly on one leg like a pink flamingo, its philosophical foundations are about having the right mental attitude that can help you greatly in your daily leadership practice.

Francesca-Giulia Mereu

Executive coach

Francesca–Giulia Mereu is an executive coach with over 25 years’ experience, specializing in personal energy management and leadership transition. She is the author of Recharge Your Batteries, a certified yoga teacher, and creator of the popular “Energy Check” online tool. She coaches senior leaders at IMD and through CCHN, the Center of Competence on Humanitarian Negotiation. She shares more energy-focused posts via her LinkedIn private group.