Your team member undervalues mindfulness for communication. How can you change their perspective?

El entrenamiento en Mindfulness, la atención plena, va de cambiar nuestra relación con pensamientos y emociones. Y aprender a observarlos con un poco de perspectiva. Al hacerlo encontramos un espacio de calma, de bienestar natural de forma natural (valga la redundancia). Se ha demostrado que ejercitar la mente en atención plena reduce el estrés y la frustración, aumentando la capacidad de concentración, la memoria y la aceptación. Entrenar la atención plena te permite enfocarte en cada proyecto que realizas en el momento que abordas ese proyecto. Haciendo tu tarea mucho más productiva. Y no va de explicarlo, va de mostrarlo estando tú presente, eso se transmite. Está demostrado que tu entorno se vuelve más productivo en el ahora. Ramón

I believe in experiential learning. Instead of just explaining mindfulness, I invite the skeptical team member to a brief mindful listening exercise. One person speaks while the other listens intently, then they switch. This lets them directly experience the power of mindful attention. After the exercise, we discuss what they noticed. They're often struck by how rare it is to feel truly heard and how that deepened the connection. This firsthand experience can catalyze openness to mindful communication. I will also pair them with a mindful buddy. Pairing them with someone who already practices mindful communication provides ongoing support, a role model, and a chance to see the tangible results of mindful communication in action.

Having mindfulness is another way of saying one has high EQ - and more - which has been proven to be advantageous in positions requiring leadership and communication skills. Making this point with a colleague can help them to become more open-minded to the usefulness of mindfulness. Being mindful means that one is better able to put the needs of their ego and their self-interest on hold while being more accepting and compassionate of the needs of others - a skill that builds more trust and deflects antagonism in any professional or business setting. The case for mindfulness is that it allows colleagues to tame their self-interest, stay present, and bring about calm and collaboration - all advantages in a business team setting.

Mindfulness involves paying full attention to the present moment with acceptance and without judgment. Basic concepts include focusing on your breath, observing your thoughts and feelings, and gently bringing your focus back when distracted. A Harvard study reveals that, without intentional effort, we are only present 49% of the time. This means our minds often wander to the past or future, affecting our engagement and well-being. Practicing mindfulness helps increase our presence and awareness, improving our overall mental clarity and emotional balance.

If a team member undervalues mindfulness in communication, I would start by sharing how mindfulness can actually make communication smoother and more effective. I’d explain that being mindful isn’t just about meditation or quiet moments; it’s about being fully present and attentive during conversations. When we listen mindfully, we pick up on the subtle cues and emotions behind words, which helps us respond more thoughtfully. This approach can reduce misunderstandings and build stronger connections within the team. I’d also encourage them to try small practices, like taking a deep breath before speaking or really focusing on what the other person is saying without planning their response.

Practice. Every time at my workshops, I have people who don't believe in mindfulness and downplay the topic. A tool that all of us have and can use immediately is working with the breath. Just one exercise is enough to prove that it works, whether we want to calm the mind or boost our energy. I have yet to meet a person who hasn't felt any changes in themselves after a breathing exercise :) I recommend 4-7-8 breathing or Double breathing.

I recommend one simple exercise that will restore your focus to 100%. It involves 6 inhales and exhales, each lasting 5 seconds. Within a minute, we anchor ourselves in the present moment. Counting to 5 helps our mind focus on the breath, and the freshly supplied oxygen gives us perspective and calmness.

Start by listening to your team member's reasons for undervaluing mindfulness. Perhaps they have misconceptions about what mindfulness entails or how it can benefit communication. By actively listening to their concerns, you can better understand their perspective and tailor your approach accordingly. Share your own experiences with mindfulness and how it has positively impacted your communication skills. Personal anecdotes can be powerful tools for changing someone's perspective, as they offer real-life examples of the benefits of mindfulness in action. Point to research studies and articles that demonstrate the effectiveness of mindfulness in improving communication and fostering empathy.

This exercise will be perfect: 4-7-8 1. First, put one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. 2. Take a deep, slow breath from your stomach and silently count to 4 as you inhale. 3. Hold your breath and silently count from 1 to 7. 4. Exhale fully, silently counting from 1 to 8. Try to remove all air from your lungs before counting to 8. 5. Repeat 3 to 7 times or until you calm down. Helps you gain control over your breathing. It is designed to put the body into a deep relaxation state and allow to calm down in 5 minutes. Good luck!

Mindful Conflict Resolution Pause and Breathe: When a conflict arises, take a deep breath before responding. This helps you stay calm and centered. Affirm, "I am taking a moment to respond thoughtfully." Active Listening: Focus fully on the other person’s words. Avoid interrupting and show empathy by reflecting back what you’ve heard. Use affirmations like, "I am here to understand their perspective." Observe Your Reactions: Notice any emotional or physical responses you have. Remind yourself, "I am aware of my feelings and can choose how to respond." Respond Mindfully: Choose your words carefully, aiming for clarity and respect. Affirm, "I will communicate my thoughts clearly and respectfully."