VIM Executive Coaching was recently asked to respond to the following question (we would be interested to see how you might answer it as well?): “What is the simplest thing any executive leader can do during complicated times?”
A Thousand Questions
How simple do you want us to put it?
“As simple as possible,” was the reply.
OK, we would say that every executive leader should strive to be authentic and in-the-moment, to listen before speaking, to hone a greater sense of compassion, to truly know oneself, to respond and not to react, to be flexible and open –
“No, you misunderstand me,” she interrupted. “Right now, my employees are dealing with thoughts of world conflict, inflation, supply-chain issues with our factory production, a possible acquisition, fuel prices for our trucks, lingering fears of COVID-19, diversity and inclusion and much more. As a business coach, you must know these are complex times.”
She waited, we believe, for a profound answer with multiple bullet points; perhaps a PowerPoint link and, who knows, a past podcast
Ah, you want a multi-faceted answer to ‘all this complexity?’
“Yes.”
Mindfulness.
With that answer, she scratched her head, shook her head and backed away. We think she mumbled something like, “You’re no help.”
Simple is always complex
We are, of course, always free to take a simple concept and clutter it with opinions, bells and whistles. Indeed, entire MBA management programs have been built on such a premise. Those who seek a simple answer borne out of great complexity, often fail. What they might try doing is to focus on a simple concept as the key to the discovery of complex solutions.
The ancients in Europe might have called it knowing thyself, and certainly mindfulness meditation, was an Asian concept.
Mindfulness is. Mindfulness exists for itself as is its own reward and in a sense, its own principal. Mindfulness is the end of a journey and yet, is a continuing journey.
For those who initially have trouble understanding mindfulness, we might ask you to imagine a beautiful lacquer coffee table, the kind found in many homes and inns in Japan. They are simple, sturdy and lovingly polished to a soft sheen. What is interesting about them is that they fit into any setting, style or architectural period. They serve as decorative tables, dining tables, game tables or a place for kids to do homework and adults to prepare taxes.
The table “just is,” and needs no further adornment or explanation. Its purpose is implied. Mindfulness is similar.
When we have the opportunity to distill down to the basics; to quietly turn inward and reflect on what needs to be done, the steps taken to achieve the goals and the knowledge that we have not changed with each situation but are authentic within the situation, we have achieved what the table has achieved.
Not a piece of furniture
We are, of course, living beings interacting with other beings. However, with mindfulness and being in the moment, we are very much capable of authenticity and response rather than reaction and artificially changing our personalities within the whim of the moment.
Our inner strength and beauty, much like the table, is unchanging. Whether we are dealing with a complex personnel issue, bringing a number of people together to resolve a supply chain issue or going through a major organizational change such as a merger or acquisition, mindfulness gives us the same face and touchstone to every situation.
These are complex times however; we needn’t approach life’s challenges without a touchstone. Mindfulness, a full awareness of the moment, is as simple as one can get.