Introduction
Traditionally, a leader has been seen as an authoritative figure who inspires and directs people to behave desirably. In a corporate context, the leader is responsible for developing a vision, setting goals, and planning strategically to meet the goals.
Leaders should be able to elicit respect and obedience. They must have charisma so subordinates can embrace the leader’s values and feel motivated to work hard to achieve the corporate goals.
The world, however, is changing at a fast pace. New forms of leadership techniques that are better suited for the current business environment are being developed.
Role of Mindfulness in Leadership
One of the most pronounced changes in the leadership style has been the incorporation of mindfulness. Mindfulness in general is the practice of being fully present in the moment. It requires deep concentration and an objective analysis of all external and internal stimuli.
Incorporating digital technology and the rapidly transforming landscape has resulted in a dynamic workplace. Workers must constantly unexpected changes, like disruptive technologies or shifting consumer preferences. A high level of unpredictability has elevated anxiety levels. An estimated 83% of workers in the US reported suffering from work-related stress.
This is where a leader practicing the philosophy of mindfulness can make the situation better. The leader can act as a rope to keep things calm and under control. They can cancel out the white noise and make sound decisions by looking at any situation, no matter how seemingly dire it may be, objectively. Mindfulness teaches us to do away with value judgments and to take in our surroundings fully.
This calm and collected approach to decision-making can help bring order and foster a harmonious corporate culture where focus and objective thinking are given precedence along with teamwork and a proactive approach to problem solving.
Spiritual Practices to Achieve Mindfulness
Since mindfulness is so critical to effective leadership currently, it is necessary to examine how to practice mindfulness. The theory behind mindfulness takes inspiration from Buddhist beliefs and the erasure of the self. The focused yet detached manner in which mindfulness teaches us to experience life can be hard because we are so in tune with our emotions.
Meditation, fasting, and similar spiritual practices can help with attaining mindfulness. If you are a Muslim and want to practice mindfulness, then it is very easy.
Here are some Islamic practices that are not only significant from a religious point of view but also teach us how to practice mindfulness:
Five Daily Prayers
Salah is not just an obligatory worship for Muslims, it is also a great way to meditate. The purpose of the five daily prayers is to lose oneself in the remembrance of Allah (SWT). Worshippers recite verses glorifying Allah (SWT) while acknowledging His Power and Dominion.
In this way, Salah helps believers to focus on the true meaning of life. It also highlights our insignificance in the grand scheme of things. We can improve our ability to focus through prayer since it requires believers to take time out of their day and devote a portion of it to Allah (SWT) alone.
All idle and unnecessary thoughts should disappear as we stand before Allah (SWT), glorifying Him and seeking His forgiveness. Achieving this level of focus at all other times is mindfulness.
Fasting throughout the Month of Ramadan
All Muslims who are of age and physically capable must fast during the month of Ramadan. The prohibition of food and water from dawn to dusk instills resilience and forces us to focus on the truth of our existence.
Many Buddhist monks also choose to abstain from food and drink. They take things even further by putting their bodies through pain and suffering to build up resilience and strengthen their mind. Allah (SWT) has made it easy for us as we only need to tolerate thirst and hunger for a few hours and in doing so make us strong psychologically to bear even more difficulties with tenacity.
Giving Charity
Mindfulness requires the negation of the self to put everything in perspective without feeling too biased. Overindulgence is selfish, so giving charity, in the form of money or kindness, is a way of denying the self of material pleasures.
Much like with fasting, the idea is denying one’s needs and wants to feel less bound to the pleasures of this world. The act of giving charity brings us closer to others and makes us less biased as we can empathize with them.
Doing Dhikr
Dikhr consists of constant invocation. Through dikhr, we are, like prayer, reminded of our real purpose in life. It helps us to focus our energy to glorify Allah (SWT) throughout the day and seek His help. There are many different kinds of invocations.
You can select the supplications to suit your needs and concentrate on repeating them throughout the day. Dikhr can be as simple as a single word, like one of the ninety-nine names of Allah (SWT) Al-Mighty.
Helping Others
Assisting others, even strangers, is needed for mindfulness. Islam teaches us to be a source of good in the world. We can do this by helping others in any way we can, no matter how insignificant it may seem. To help others we must be aware of our surroundings and fully present in the moment so we can act in time.
Just like charity, the act of assisting others makes us less selfish. It allows us to live a more self-aware and fulfilling life.
Success Through Effective Leadership and Spirituality
Islamic spirituality is not simply a means to self-actualize, it teaches us to become better human beings about every aspect of our life. This includes our relationship with others. An effective leader is a great teacher, a voice of reason, a source of calm, and an individual with a high level of emotional quotient (EQ). Mindfulness achieved through Islamic spirituality makes us a better human, not just a good leader. A person others can look up to and trust. This is what makes for a leader who inspires others. Their authority is not forced upon others it is welcomed and held in high regard
Author Bio:
Mughees Qureshi provides copywriting services and writes quality articles and blogs. He is experienced in writing on topics related to all domains with impactful knowledge and research to provide practical insights for his readers.
