Are You Aware of Your Mindful Leadership?

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Are You Aware of Your Mindful Leadership?

Written by:

Sean Fargo

Updated on:

October 15, 2015

In this article:

There are those who are seemingly meant to lead. Born leaders we call them. Rushing in like proverbial knights in shining armor ready to save the day.

For the struggling leader, there is no sense of knighthood, but rather the feeling of being the court jester, relying on antics to somehow bring calm to a sense of brewing hostility and angst.

What makes one different from the other? In simple terms, doing things on purpose. Mindful leadership. It is leading with the idea that things be done with a purpose and for a purpose.

In order to lead in a mindful manner, understanding how to reach that purpose must first be understood. Ask these questions:

What is the goal?
Who are the players?
What are the obstacles?

These three questions help establish the route, who the travelers might be, and what it is that might get in the way. The answers will aid in establishing a clearly laid out plan, one empowering the leader to systematically reach their intended purpose or goal.

It is being aware there are steps to reaching a goal.
It is understanding how to direct those working with the same goal in mind.
It is being ready when challenges arise.

One can haphazardly lead and perhaps, by happenstance, somehow manage to achieve something. There is no benefit to such a leader, or the people they lead. There are no lessons, only accidental success. This is the juggling jester, hoping to invoke a laugh in order to save his own head.

It is the great knight who, through training, through camaraderie and fierce battle, manages to ride in with his battalion and save the day. It is no accident. It is great preparation and awareness of executing his preparation that allows him to save the day.

Mindful leadership is that awareness. It is purposeful preparation, purposeful connection, and purposeful execution. There are no born leaders, only leaders who have come to the awareness of their ability. It is the awareness of their own inner determination, the strength of their external relationships, and the willingness to face a challenge. The response to this awareness will determine how mindful the leaders will be.

Mindful as a soldier, or perhaps a clown.

Find more exercises related to mindfulness at work here.

About the author

Sean Fargo

Sean Fargo is a mindfulness teacher and founder of Mindfulness Exercises, a global platform offering evidence‑based resources and teacher certification. A former Buddhist monk in the Thai Theravada tradition, he bridges contemplative wisdom with modern psychology to make mindfulness practical at work and in life. Sean has taught alongside Jack Kornfield and supported leaders at organizations such as Reddit, PG&E, and DocuSign. Through online trainings, guided meditations, and mentorship, he has helped thousands of educators, clinicians, and coaches bring mindfulness to diverse communities. Sean’s mission is simple and ambitious: expand access to authentic, science‑informed practice while cultivating compassion, clarity, and resilience. Today, Mindfulness Exercises serves millions with free and premium tools, empowering individuals and teams to lead with presence and purpose.