9 Characteristics of 21st Century Mindful School Leadership
“Mindfulness is simply noticing the way things are. By being mindful you can transform your life, your organization, and even your community. The first step is to transform yourself.” Maria Gonzalez, Mindful Leadership: The 9 Ways to Self-Awareness, Transforming Yourself, and Inspiring Others“During difficult times,” writes Maria Gonzales, “anyone in a leadership position is scrutinized more closely. And it seems as if the demands of this new world order are beyond the experience of many who occupy leadership positions.” And, as Michael Carroll adds in Awake at Work, “Work with all its pressures and success and confusion, unfolds on its terms not ours, and we can be awake as if unfolds or we can resist---a choice we can make moment by moment for the rest of our lives.”
But what does a mindful leader look like? Maria Gonzales’ “9 Ways of Being” provide an excellent portrait of “mindful leadership." Keep in mind though, it is through "mindfulness practices" that these characteristics are developed and fostered, which she also describes.
1. Mindful school leaders are present.
2. Mindful school leaders are aware.
3. Mindful school leaders are calm.
4. Mindful school leaders are focused.
5. Mindful school leaders are clear.
6. Mindful school leaders are equanimous.
7. Mindful school leaders are positive.
8. Mindful school leaders are compassionate.
9. Mindful school leaders are impeccable.
