Mindful Leadership: Janice Marturano's Guide to Purposeful Pauses

In her groundbreaking book Finding The Space To Lead, leadership expert Janice Marturano provides actionable strategies for developing mindful leadership skills. Her approach helps professionals cultivate focus, reduce stress, and improve decision-making through mindfulness practices.

What Is Mindful Leadership?

Mindful leadership involves:
- Developing present-moment awareness in professional settings
- Recognizing when we operate on autopilot
- Intentionally redirecting attention to the current task

Marturano explains: "We have an innate capacity to be present. Mindfulness strengthens our mind's capabilities, just as exercise trains our bodies."

Key Benefits of Mindful Leadership

1. Improved focus: Notice distractions faster and return to the present task
2. Better decision-making: Respond thoughtfully rather than react impulsively
3. Reduced stress: Create mental space between stimuli and responses
4. Enhanced emotional intelligence: Develop greater self-awareness in leadership roles

The Power of Purposeful Pauses

Marturano introduced the concept of "Purposeful Pauses" during her tenure as Deputy General Counsel at General Mills. These intentional breaks help professionals:

• Reset during transitions between meetings
• Regain focus when distracted
• Process information more effectively

"When we notice our mind wandering to past meetings or future worries," Marturano advises, "we can gently redirect our attention to the present moment."

3 Steps to Practice Mindful Leadership

1. Notice autopilot mode: Recognize when you're physically present but mentally elsewhere
2. Acknowledge without judgment: Simply observe distractions without self-criticism
3. Redirect attention: Choose where to focus your mental energy intentionally

Marturano's work demonstrates that mindfulness isn't about adding new tools, but rather cultivating our natural capacity for presence. By practicing these techniques, leaders can transform their effectiveness and workplace relationships.

For more insights, watch Janice Marturano's full discussion on mindful leadership practices.