There is no denying that one topic that is on everyone’s lips at the moment is mindfulness. For those who are unaware, mindfulness is all about being in the present. It is about being aware of what is happening in this very moment; both externally in our surrounding environments and internally. In this guide, we are going to take a look at mindfulness as it relates to project management. You can read this definition of project management is you would to familiarise yourself with what project management actually means.
Below, we are going to take a look at some of the elements of mindfulness that you can apply to project management for improved results…
Presence
As mentioned, mindfulness is all about being in the present, so it is only right that we start here. When you are meeting with key stakeholders and your team, the ability to remain in the present moment can be extremely effective and beneficial because it ensures you are fully engaged in the discussion. All too often we have a tendency to talk about matters of the past, which are now gone, or we talk about the future, which doesn’t yet exist and is fully dependent on what you do in this exact moment. This is why it is important to fully focus on the here and now, being 100 per cent present.
Positive energy
As a project manager, the way in which you act is going to have an impact on your team members. If you are enthusiastic and positive, they are going to be more likely to feel this way too. However, if you are negative, you will drag everyone down. Why not start off your day with a mindfulness practice? Meditation is a good option to go for. This can help you to slow down so that you are able to choose your goals and attitude for the day. You will become aware of the sort of energy you want to give off, and this will go with you throughout the day.
Focus
Being able to focus clearly is something we all strive for, and it is something we can achieve if we are mindful. You can also help all of your team members to do the same. While the lure of multitasking may be tempting, if you have clarity, you will be able to effectively determine what tasks should go first so that they can be the priority.
Calmness
Another key element of mindfulness is being calm. Mindfulness involves being more aware of who you are as a person and the emotions you experience. Once these emotions start to come about, you will be able to take intentional actions. Most of us currently take mindless reactions, allowing our emotions to control us. However, with mindfulness, you will be able to have a calmness that leads to better decision making and inspires confidence throughout your team.
While mindfulness may not be traditional curriculum for a project management training course, there is no denying it has some distinct benefits for you and your team.