Insights from the Yoga Mat: 3 Tips to Improve your Leadership Skills
As a new yoga instructor, I am reminded of how important it is to set a vision, to adapt, and to be authentic. In this blog post, I will share practical tips for incorporating these lessons into your own leadership journey.
1. Vision: Charting the Course
In both yoga and leadership, having a clear vision is paramount. To guide others from the present to the future, start by being aware of where you are today and where you want to be in the future. For a yoga class, that means identifying a peak pose and a part of the body to strengthen during the flow, and working back from there. It can be similar for you, where do you want to be, in the context of your career or in your personal life, in six months to a year? Then identify the steps you need to take to move you in that direction.
Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to set a big goal that seems like a reach. Stretch yourself on and off the yoga mat. Then set smaller, short-term goals with due dates to help you get there. 🏆
2. Adaptability: Embracing the Unexpected
Adaptability is an asset for leaders, akin to the fluidity required in teaching yoga. To succeed in life, cultivate the ability to tune in and adjust quickly. On the yoga mat, that means I need to observe the students and change my class plan to meet them where they are. Maybe I need to adjust my pacing or provide more modifications to help them succeed. Off the yoga mat, be realistic and anticipate that you will hit obstacles on the road to your goals. Build in time to reflect and adjust your plan at regular intervals. Be prepared to change your goals or maybe just tweak the steps to achieve them.
Pro tip: Accept that nothing in your life is permanent, even the things that feel solid and fixed will at some point change. When that change comes, be self-compassionate, and remember that you have successfully changed in the past and that you can do it again now. 💪🏼
3. Authenticity: The Power of Being You
Authenticity is the bedrock of effective leadership and teaching. Embracing your true self builds stronger connections with those you lead. To be more authentic, shed preconceived expectations and let your genuine self shine. As a yoga instructor that means that I need to be a continuous student of yoga philosophy, that I need to maintain my own personal practice and that I should select themes for my classes that align with my values and guiding principles. As a leader, you can also reflect on your values and purpose. Journal about why you lead and the type of leadership legacy you want to leave behind. The clearer you are about what motivates you, the more authentic and effective you will be as a leader.
Pro tip: Conduct a value and a strengths assessment to identify your core principles and superpowers. Regularly check in to ensure your actions align with these, fostering authenticity and building trust with those you lead.
Consider taking these tips to heart, both on and off the yoga mat, and watch as your leadership skills flourish. ♥