Seven Practices of a Mindful Leader: Lessons from Google and a Zen Monastery Kitchen

After being in leadership roles in organizations for many years, and working on my own growth, I became interested in Zen practice and mindfulness more recently. But I grapple with integrating this newer practice into my leadership in business.This book speaks to me because of the blending of Zen + Leadership, which is a reflection of his own journey both in Zen and business contexts. His wisdom addresses both my desire to frame a concept (7 Practices, framed in 3 Parts), and pair it with a depth of practical and actionable practices.Example:Pg 67 “The Zen tradition has a dialogue in which a student asks the teacher, “What is the teaching of a lifetime?” The teacher answers, “An appropriate response.”How simple. How elegant. The teaching of an entire lifetime can be captured in the way you respond.”Great bridge Marc presents leading to four common obstacles:+ Lack of awareness of others or the situation+ Feeling judgmental and self-critical+ Becoming afraid and reacting without thinking+ Fearing changeThe rest of the ‘Do the Work’ chapter explores how to work with them by:+ Listening openly+ Prioritizing self-compassion+ Cultivating emotional awareness+ Seeking alignmentThe explorations are filled with helpful examples that support it really landing. A great example of his approach in this book.Marc’s teachings emanate from sharing of his own experiences having shaped and successfully built multiple organizations. I highly recommend the combination of this book, and Know Yourself, Forget Yourself for everyone looking to bring Zen practices into their life as a more awakened leader.

Marc Lesser and I have been friends through a business-related circle for years, and during that time I have come to know him as thoughtful, funny, and humane -- I have benefited again and again from his wise counsel. But here's the thing: Despite our long friendship and my front-row seat to the incredible success of SIYLI, I've been slow to "mindfulness." I've meditated occasionally (in fits and starts) but I've never really gotten the potential power of a regular practice (or, frankly, had the patience to learn where to start). Now, thanks to "Seven Practices," I think I am starting to.And that's one big thing about Marc's new book: He writes so clearly and personally, from such a wide range of experiences (deeply personal as well as professional), that I found it easy to connect his recommendations to my own life and experience. Clearly, in addition to all of his other fine attributes, he's a great teacher.And now that I think I get it, I have work to do. "Seven Practices" is not a long book -- the meat of it is only 190 pages -- and it doesn't require any special knowledge -- perhaps only a nub of awareness that coping successfully with the stresses of being human, much less being an effective leader, in this crazy world isn't something that just happens. I am, for sure, a beginner, but I am already profiting from my time with this great little book. I highly highly recommend it.

Marc Lesser has given us a solid structure for bringing mindfulness to our roles as business and other leaders.. The practices are surprisingly simple, easy to implement, and yet not obvious. His “fourth practice” of connecting to your pain is particularly powerful for any leader and will transform your business life, and your personal life. If you just do that practice, it will distinguish you as a trusted leader. If you're a leader or want to be one (of any kind), this book is a must! Marc has his finger on the pulse of what's important and has given us his very best time-tested ideas served on a silver platter.

Working in a large global organization, I found this book tremendously helpful in helping to craft leadership training offerings. Simple, clear, yet unique and insightful read!

Want to raise the level of your leadership practices so that you can create a company culture that enhances collaboration and communication? Looking for business success that blesses all involved?Marc Lesser’s new book, "Seven Practices of a Mindful Leader", combines the author's experiences and powerful lessons from Google and a Zen Monastery kitchen. On page 2, Lesser asks the question, How do we create and sustain [the business culture] everyone says we need? He writes about creating “a supportive positive culture—a culture of real trust and care, of transparency and integrity, of accountability and achieving results.”On pages 22-23, he emphasizes The Power of Practice. He further notes that “our practice sought to integrate all our actions with our values and intentions. … I’ve distilled seven mindfulness practices:* Love the work* Do the work* Don’t be an expert* Connect to your pain* Connect to the pain of others* Depend on others* Keep making it simpler.”Much of the power of this book comes from the author’s emphasis on success stories from the trenches plus exercises, experiments, and activities to help readers understand and live the practices daily.On page 178, Lesser has an experiment that focuses on three steps:“1. Turn toward the difficulty—face it and see it head-on.2. Accept—allow yourself to see and feel the pain of this difficult situation; this takes courage, and mindfulness practice helps3. Let go of blame—this includes yourself and others.”The author goes on to emphasize, “Be both relaxed and alert.” He notes that this is what athletes work to achieve: “To be aware, awake, ready to meet each situation fully.” Lesser writes about the importance of appropriate relaxation which helps one avoid “overreacting or being tense or not fully present.”I heartfully recommend this book, "Seven Practices of a Mindful Leader" for every person who seeks to lead others and themselves to higher and fulfilled living.

Reading this book has brought about huge relief with revelations on all aspects of living.  As a scientist, lawyer and business owner, I have experienced the usual opportunities and challenges, and now Marc's book casts a light deep into every moment - revealing the paradox of life. This book has changed the way I do business. I laughed, cringed and cried as I studied the book during this pandemic.  Neither looking backwards or forwards, Marc's clear written style provides informed practices for right now; for working on myself & teams, and living with family & friends. When watching the news, reading, or in conversations with team members, I often feel my mind rereading pages from Marc's book with a deeper sense of awareness.I was new to meditation practice when finding this book, but now my morning meditation practice is part of my daily routine.

If you're new to mindfulness, you might wonder if you have to be "monk-like" to train your monkey brain (I did). Marc's experience as a Zen monk, and then in as a leader, and then teacher (including leading at the Search Inside Yourself program which I had the privilege of attending) brings a depth and simply practicality to what we need NOW as leaders - more self-awareness, compassion, curiosity, and to hold the space for teams to trust each other and do great work! (P.S. You don't need to be a monk to "be mindful" - you just need to practice, practice, practice - these 7 practices;)

This is a wonderful book that helps brings the experience of stillness and compassion into life in business and for that matter every other element of life. Down to earth and effective.