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Goodmorning BSN!

The benefits of clear-minded leadership 

In goodmorning bsn! door Business School Nederland

In a recent Goodmorning BSN! webinar, Hans van Buijten, Owner of Connected Action Learning and BSN Action Learning Coach, presented on the critical topic of clear-minded leadership. This approach, which focuses on strategic clarity and focused decision-making, enables leaders to navigate complex situations effectively.

Understanding clear-minded leadership

Hans van Buijten explained that clear-minded leadership involves maintaining mental clarity and avoiding preoccupations such as anger, fear, or shame. These emotions can cloud judgment and hinder effective decision-making. He emphasised the importance of rational thinking and group decision-making to enhance creativity and problem-solving abilities.

The role of emotional awareness

Clear-minded leadership requires a deep awareness of one’s emotional state. Hans shared that leaders must be conscious of their emotions and their impact on team dynamics. He highlighted the importance of practices such as coherent breathing, meditation, and mindfulness to maintain inner calmness and clarity. “A clear-minded leader sees things as they really are,” Hans stated, underlining the essence of maintaining a clear mind.

Practical strategies for leaders

Hans provided practical strategies for leaders to cultivate clear-minded leadership:

  • Emotional Awareness: Regularly assess your emotional state and its impact on decision-making.
  • Coherent Breathing: Practice five-second inhalations and exhalations to reduce anxiety and maintain focus.
  • Collaborative Decision-Making: Involve team members in decision-making processes to leverage diverse perspectives and expertise.

Insights from the Q&A session

During the Q&A session, Hans addressed questions about managing stress in the workplace and obtaining honest feedback. He suggested that leaders should actively listen to their team members and be aware of non-verbal cues. “If you are a very authoritative leader, it takes time for people to believe your questions are sincere,” he noted. Hans also emphasised the importance of vulnerability in leadership, encouraging leaders to be open and honest about their own challenges.

The impact of clear-minded leadership

Hans illustrated the impact of clear-minded leadership through examples from the business world. He discussed how clouded judgment can lead to disastrous outcomes, such as the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy. In contrast, clear-minded leadership fosters a positive work environment, enhances creativity, and improves overall performance.

Additional insights

Hans shared a practical tip for self-assessing stress levels: “Count the number of breaths you take in one minute. If it’s more than 10, your anxiety levels might be high.” He also highlighted the importance of team dynamics and the role of psychological safety in fostering clear-minded leadership. Leaders must create an environment where team members feel safe to express their thoughts and concerns.

The webinar underscored the critical role of clear-minded leadership in achieving peak performance. By adopting these strategies, leaders can navigate complex situations, drive performance, and create a positive, adaptable organisational culture. Hans van Buijten’s insights remind us that clear-minded leadership is not just about personal clarity but also about fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for the entire team.

Take part in our Goodmorning BSN!

Join the discussion every Tuesday morning at our weekly global webinar Goodmorning BSN! at 08:15 am (CET).

If you would like to replay other webinars, check out our Goodmorning BSN! YouTube Channel.

Business School Nederland

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