The Mindful Leader

What does the ancient Buddhist teaching of mindfulness have to do with effective leadership of today’s organizations? Everything, according to Michael Carroll, longtime human resources executive, meditation teacher, and executive coach. Mindfulness—learning to be fully present in the moment—can be a transformative leadership tool for gaining clarity, reducing stress, and optimizing job performance, and The Mindful Leader shows us how.

Drawing on the ancient tradition of the bodhisattva warrior, a Buddhist model for enlightened leadership, Carroll explains what mindfulness is and how to develop it in the hectic and often stressful environment of the twenty-first century workplace. Traditionally, the bodhisattva-warrior cultivates six virtues or “perfections”: generosity, discipline, patience, energy, meditation, and wisdom. Carroll also presents the teaching of the “four dignities” (poise, enthusiasm, awareness, and humility) as essential principles for successful leadership. In this inspiring, accessible, and often playful book, Carroll explores how to develop each of these virtues in order to become a more effective leader.

Topics include:

Healing the “toxic workplace,” where anxiety, stress, and overwhelm impede performance

Cultivating courage and confidence in the workplace

Learning to balance leadership goals with awareness of day-to-day and moment-to-moment realities

Starting a personal meditation practice to gain clarity, reduce stress, and develop one’s innate leadership talents

Full of engaging stories and practical exercises, The Mindful Leader will help leaders in any field to discover their innate intelligence, bravery, and joy on the job.