In a world where events move as quickly as a rushing river, leaders must find ways to stay on course. Attention, one of the six key elements in the model we have developed of mindful leadership, acts like a rudder, steering leaders through the turbulent flow of constant distractions and competing demands.
To build attention, leaders must learn to navigate around distraction and refocus on core objectives. This skill is crucial in environments that are volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA); where it’s easy to lose direction in the distraction.
Here’s how to hold your rudder steady.
Mindful Meetings
Keep meetings focused by setting clear agendas, minimising interruptions, and encouraging participants to stay on course.
Time Management
Organise your day to ensure you can concentrate on important tasks. This is like plotting a course on a river, where you set aside time for deep work and breaks to avoid drifting off track.
Clear Communication
When communicating with people, give them your full attention. This is like using the rudder to make precise turns — staying focused will help you convey the right message without veering off course.
Reflective Practices
Reflecting regularly helps you maintain direction. This could be journaling or taking a moment to breathe, like gently adjusting the rudder to keep on track during a long journey.
Team Mindfulness
Build a mindful culture by encouraging your team to stay focused and attentive. Team-building exercises can help everyone row in the same direction, ensuring the team doesn’t drift apart.
Leaders who master the art of attention can navigate their teams through challenging waters. By keeping the rudder steady, you can make better decisions, stay resilient under pressure, and build strong relationships. This focus will not only help you lead more effectively but also create a more collaborative and harmonious workplace. High-performance individuals, teams and cultures follow.
A great case study of this concept can be found in the film “Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World.” In this movie, Captain Jack Aubrey, played by Russell Crowe, must navigate his ship through perilous waters, making quick decisions that impact the safety of his crew. Throughout the film, we see how his attention acts as a rudder, steering his team through both calm and stormy seas. His ability to stay focused amidst the chaos and make precise decisions showcases the importance of maintaining steady attention as a leader. By keeping his rudder on course, Captain Aubrey demonstrates how attention can guide a team to safety and success, even in the face of uncertainty.
