Want practical, effective thinking habits that’ll maximise your leadership results?
You’ve heard that when we’re “in the zone” distractions and fears don’t exist and that we think really clearly, right?
If you want to spruce up your leadership practices and behaviours, this is an exceptionally useful concept…
More About This “In The Zone” Concept
In Timothy Gallwey’s well known book “The Inner Game of Tennis”, as well as in other titles in his Inner Game series, Tim describes how having an “in the zone” single-mindedness significantly upgrades our performance—whether that be playing tennis, playing golf, playing a musical instrument or at work.
When you’re in the zone your mind is calm and quiet. You have a relaxed concentration. You’re not doing any trying. You operate spontaneously. And, importantly, you perform at an elevated level!
Because your inner-game has such a humungous impact on your outer-game, being able to access an in the zone experience is as crucial to you as a leader as it is to a high calibre sports star.
So exactly how do you get in the zone?
It’s actually not complex at all. It’s very straightforward in fact. Interested? Then read on…
A Clear Difference Between An Exemplary Leader And An Average Leader Is In The Way They Think
Without exception, every leader with whom I’ve discussed this approach has talked about how effective it is. It has them taking charge of their inner-game, therefore better managing their outer-game.
The approach is based on these concepts:
- Quiet minds are more effective than adrenalin-charged, busy minds.
- Quiet minds are calm, clear and focussed.
- Quiet minds don’t over-react to external stimulation.
- Quiet minds don’t chatter—neither internally nor externally.
- Quiet minds creatively roam from one perspective to another perspective.
- Quiet minds create wise, happy leaders.
Think about the most effective leaders you know. Don’t they have this unruffled clarity of thought?
How Do You Develop A Quiet Mind?
I’m about to describe a no-brainer, simple to implement leadership practice. Here it is…
- Breathe deeply and slowly.
- Think slowly—think less.
And that’s it! Didn’t I say it was straightforward? 
Breathe deeply and slowly and think slowly and less. That’s it!
Your Leadership Call to Action
Here’s my recommendation…
So that you habituate having a quiet mind, every day, at least once every morning, once every noon and once every evening, purposefully slow your thinking down.
Even do it in the weekends—your partner/kids/friends will love your company .
Habituate quietening your mind and your thinking by:
- Breathing slowly and deeply.
- In every moment, only think one thought.
Practice this three-times-a-day for 30-days, without a day off. Then tell me about the benefits you experienced. Send me an email. Let me know how much more effective you now are, both as a leader and as a person.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolyn Stevens has worked with leaders for more than 25-years—hundreds of them.
She’s supported leader after leader (including those who previously struggled to confront the difficult, let alone persuasively deal with the it) flourish—and become confident, courageous and impressively influential.
Carolyn is authentic and results-oriented. She draws on an eclectic array of approaches, tools and techniques to suit the situation.
