The obvious is in front of me.
How did i miss it?

Lester is the CEO of a business operations consultancy. His business was successful but he felt that he had to make all the decisions himself. His team members and suppliers responded to his direction and requests, but often did so in a lackluster way, resulting in his spending significant time on every aspect of his business.

The firm was looking to expand its services into a new market. Lester was anxiously churned up about how he could effectively lead his team in this venture.

He consulted with his business coach, marketing consultant, executive team, and business advisory group, all of whom gave him great advice. But something was nagging him: something was missing; he could not concentrate; his mind was wild with disorganized thoughts.

He wanted to find his own answers and decided to meditate.

By using the techniques, he was able to slow down the constant spray of thoughts, become quiet and centered in his mind. He began to reflect on his interactions with his team and suppliers.

It dawned on him that he was not listening to them. He was not present. When they told him they were left out of decision making, he heard them as complaining about their work loads. When they told him they were unable to deliver on time and budget because of lack of resources, he heard them as lacking competence.

He was listening to himself; he was tuned into his own reactions and not theirs. His lack of empathy and self-focus prevented him from being present. If he were truly present, he would get what they were saying and not impose his own interpretations.

This was a revelation. He knew he had to be present, listen and identify completely with their problems and take them on as his own.

With this insight, he was able to assemble his teams and suppliers and have an open dialog with them during which he just listened without judgement. He was criticized by some team members but he did not react. He took it all in and thanked them for their contributions.

On the spot, he fashioned production approaches that worked for the teams. Satisfied and happily surprised, they left the meeting in smiles.

The new initiative was launched on time, on budget and on specification leading to a lucrative outcome. And productive and happy internal and external teams.

Looking for more information about mindfulness and meditation?

Contact Marty at marty@getmindfulclarity.com