Mindful Leadership: Using Your Calendar for Better Decisions

How Mindful Calendar Practice Transforms Leadership

Mindfulness isn't just for meditation cushions - it's a powerful leadership tool when applied to your daily schedule. This simple practice helps executives make better decisions, reduce workplace stress, and create space for innovation.

The Body-Mind Connection in Leadership

When reviewing your calendar mindfully:
- Notice physical sensations (tight chest, tense neck, stomach knots)
- Observe emotional responses to scheduled commitments
- Become curious about what your body is telling you

These bodily signals often reveal deeper truths about how we're spending our time and energy.

Questioning the Meeting Culture

Mindful calendar review raises critical questions:
- How many meetings truly require your presence?
- Are you attending out of habit or actual necessity?
- Does your company culture equate visibility with productivity?
- What innovative work gets squeezed out by back-to-back meetings?

3 Steps to Mindful Calendar Practice

1. Pause Before Planning: Take 30 seconds to breathe before reviewing your schedule
2. Body Scan: Notice physical reactions to each appointment
3. Intentional Editing: Remove or delegate meetings that don't serve strategic goals

The Benefits of Mindful Scheduling

• Reduces decision fatigue for leaders
• Creates space for strategic thinking
• Lowers workplace stress levels
• Improves meeting quality by reducing unnecessary attendance
• Fosters team autonomy and growth

Creating Space for Innovation

When leaders practice mindful calendar management:
- Teams gain autonomy to solve problems
- Creative thinking replaces reactive busyness
- The organization benefits from focused leadership

"That small opening of mindfulness creates space to lead more effectively through daily chaos."

For deeper exploration, read Finding the Space to Lead by Janice Marturano.

Photo © iStockPhoto.com/ScantyNebula