GUEST COLUMN
Meditation:
Sage Principles for Leadership
By Lorraine Alexander
L
eadership is an essential skill in the new bustling business envi-
ronment. Some individuals believe leadership is about convincing
others to join in on their way of thinking. But leadership is not
about getting your way—leadership is far from that. It begins with
accepting that everyone has a voice. True leaders have the willing-
ness to be present and listen. They know they must first learn
how to follow well before becoming successful as a leader.
Leadership is not a mindset, but instead, it’s a way of
being. Leadership takes a spirit that is open and flexible.
Neutrality and a willingness to embrace change; this is the
path to leadership. To achieve this altruistic way of being,
you must place your pride aside. For many, this is easier
said than done.
Swimming in the sea of business
For those who swim in the competitive sea of business,
the focus for most is to stay on top, to stay in control
and in a power position. This has to do with pride
and ego, not leadership. True leadership rises
above this. True leaders are courageous
enough to realize the ultimate goal is the
greater good—not landing on top. They’re
not afraid to seek a new vision that might
not be readily accepted. They are true to who they
are, their beliefs, their unique talents, and yet they welcome
new and fresh concepts while fostering a healthy respect for the
talent that surrounds them.
David DeSteno, a professor of psychology at Northeastern
University, writes, “One of the ways meditation helps foster
compassion is by decreasing the ‘us/them’ distinctions that separate
people from one another.”
Why meditation naturally cultivates leadership
If you think that meditation is a bunch of mumbo-jumbo—not so
fast. Neuroscience and neuropsychology prove that the brain actually
changes in profound ways. The brains of meditators are in fact
healthier. Studies show the hippocampus (the memory and learning
center) can improve in as little as eight weeks, with impressive
improvements in stress reduction, mood, focus and creativity.
How meditation develops great leaders
Meditation helps develop strong leaders in seven important ways.
1. Self-Awareness. Meditation cultivates self-awareness—a vital
component for personal growth. Self-awareness is conscious
knowledge of one’s own self, including character, feelings, motives
and desires. This level of personal awareness is the essential brick-
and- mortar of leadership.
2. Flexibility. Meditation reduces stress, allowing us to perceive
change with greater ease. Because of this relaxed state of being,
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and positive spirit, meditators tend to “go with the flow.” They’re
flexible, and they embrace change.
3. Openness. Meditators expand their awareness and begin to
fully understand their own strengths and weaknesses. They learn
to accept them, while striving to improve them. A total acceptance
of self, allows for an open, straightforward approach—a
noteworthy trait of leadership.
4. Compassion. Think of the most remarkable and
memorable leaders of in the world; compassion is the
common thread between them. Compassion allows us
to look away from our personal agenda, and rise above to
include a good result for all.
5. Creativity. Mediation dissolves the stress that blocks
creativity, allowing the creative mind to expand. With
expanded creativity, we think outside of the box, dream
of new possibilities, and create innovative solutions.
6. Focus. Often, there’s so much chatter going on in
our heads, we can’t seem to focus. Worries and
distractions continue to float to the surface as
we try to concentrate. Meditation quiets
and calms the mind, allowing for a clear
path for the task at hand.
7. The 10,000-foot view. Meditation fine-
tunes your instincts, like a sixth sense. In simple terms,
the more in-tune you are with yourself, you naturally become
aware of the needs of others. This way of being in tune with self,
others, and the universe, allows you to cultivate intuition and expand
awareness, offering the highest perspective of all.
As Ray Dalio, billionaire and founder of Bridgewater Associates
the world’s largest hedge fund firm, said during an interview in
2012, “Meditation more than anything in my life was the biggest
ingredient of whatever success I’ve had.”
A powerful tool
Personal development can be challenging. It takes a deep
commitment to embrace change. Meditation is a powerful tool that
you’ll have in your hip pocket for a lifetime. It can pave the road for a
smoother trail ahead, and help you develop priceless leadership skills.
From there, to quote the urban slang, “It’s all you.”
As executive director of DASA Meditation, Lorraine Alex-
ander leads teachers’ trainings, lectures and coordinates
business programs. She formerly led both the U.S. Green
Building Council’s Redwood Empire and the Pacific Region
as chair. She learned to meditate at the age of 15. Con-
tact her at (707) 620–5070, or info@dasameditation.org.
For more information, go to www.dasameditation.org
The thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are that of the author(s), and do not
necessarily reflect those of NorthBay biz, its editorial department or its owners.
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