Principles and Practices of Mindful Leadership

As a teacher, teacher educator, or administrator, it is important to develop internal skills (an inner-net) that translate into successful interpersonal skills on the job. Mindful leadership introduces a new approach to leadership development that focuses on the inner world of a leader and how a leader works in the moment. Through readings and presentations, this course presents ten core principles and three mindfulness practices that help leaders to directly connect with their inner life and to bring out the best in themselves and others.
Three strands of work form the basis of this course. First, we read and learn about ten core principles of mindful leadership: simplicity and poise, respect and courage, confidence and enthusiasm, patience and awareness, skillfulness and humility. Readings are based on material from the core text, The Mindful Leader by Michael Carroll. Supplemental materials consist of journal articles, website referrals, podcasts and videos. The second strand of work in the course is to undertake a daily mindfulness meditation practice. Guided instructions are provided, as well as the opportunity to ask questions about and discuss the meditation practice. For the third strand, participants are given weekly assignments that focus on the application of the principles and practices of mindful leadership in their work context as teachers, teacher educators or administrators.