The value of mindfulness in leadership will be explored in the first of a new series of business breakfasts taking place at the University of Aberdeen later this month.
Mindful leadership: the role of mindfulness in business success, will be led by Dr Graeme Nixon, programme director of the University’s MSc Studies in Mindfulness.
Dr Nixon’s presentation is the first in a series of Business Breakfasts promoting the University’s online education offering, which will focus on developing the ‘softer’ leadership skills prized by multinational businesses and organisations.
The event, on Wednesday, March 20th, will see Dr Nixon take participants through the principles of mindfulness and how it can be used successfully in business.
He said: “Research has shown that mindfulness can enhance attention, control, concentration, emotional intelligence, and so many other attributes that make a successful leader.
“By exercising our mental muscle and developing the key areas of focus, awareness and presence, we can become less reactive and more responsive, which benefits individuals and organisations alike.
“In this business breakfast I will offer an insight into how mindfulness can enhance leadership, and of course, I will also guide participants in a short mindfulness practice!”
Dr Nixon’s workshop will be followed by another business breakfast taking place at the University on the 27th of March led by Neil McLennan, from the University’s School of Education.
In Leading by Tweeting: values-based leadership, Dr McLennan will take a look at how leaders harness social media to promote shared values within an organisation, and explore the broader issue of the purpose and impact of organisational values.
Dr Gillian Mackintosh, Director of Online Education at the University of Aberdeen, said: “Following the successful launch of our business breakfast series last year, we have decided to launch this new series to help people develop the so-called ‘softer’ skills of leadership.
“These skills – mindfulness, values and emotional intelligence – can often be overlooked, but they are no less important in creating successful leaders whose actions shape the behaviour and direction of the companies and organisations they represent.
“Our new series of business breakfasts will aim to equip people with the knowledge and skills that can be invaluable to them in their leadership journey.”