Mindfulness and its impacts on managers: A pilot study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Nowadays most companies look for innovations in managerial training in order to develop among their employees some qualities such as motivation, commitment, creativity, autonomy or the ability to adapt to change and manage intensive pressure. Mindfulness is drawing the attention of a growing number of companies. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to explore how mindfulness can be a tool that helps managers not only to develop their capacities but also to better cope with stress and contribute to great workplace performance. METHOD: 13 managers went through MBSR training and their managerial practices were evaluated after the training. Data were collected during individual semi-directive qualitative interviews before and after the training of the managers. RESULTS: The results indicate that organizations may reap considerable benefits from training their managers in programs that support the practice of mindfulness in the workplace. The MBSR training generated significant impacts on two major skills that managers have identified: the ability to supervise a team of employees with all that this implies in terms of interpersonal skills and the ability to organize and prioritize their activities. Also, the research methodology sheds light on the innovative nature of mindfulness in a favorable organizational environment.