In 2015 I asked a group of local CEO’s to participate in a first of its kind study (and help me with my Dissertation). The results were fascinating!
If you or anyone you know has ever had to do a Thesis or Dissertation, you probably know that it can be very stressful and you just want it over. Well I did.
However looking back now 4 years later I can see that it was one of the most enriching experiences I have had in my life, because it helped me understand no matter who you are, being a human can be a tough gig some days, and in particularly when you have to Lead!
Margie Ireland.
Ideas: CEO Research Study
Self Belief, Work Goals, Well Being CEOs – Dissertation (Ireland & McAdie, 2015)
How a 6-minute breathing exercise improved well being for CEOS
- Previous research has shown that critical or negative self-talk can reduce a person’s self-belief or self-efficacy to achieve goals at work (also called career self-efficacy).
- Other research has shown that males experience a greater decline in well-being than women if they are unable to achieve financial and career success.
- Failure to achieve important goals can increase frequency of negative self-talk
- Negative self-talk is described at the internal dialogue a person has about themselves that is critical.
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) has been shown to:
- Assist a person to accept negative or critical thoughts as just thoughts;
- This allows a person to continue with goal-directed behaviour and pursuits;
- Which results in a person achieving more goals and have better overall well-being.
Study:
- A 6 minute MBSR recording was selected to accommodate a busy CEO schedule
- Listen to 4 times per week for 4 weeks
- Two groups: control group (no MBSR) and active group (used MBSR)
- Both groups completed pre and post measures including the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The GHQ is considered a reliable and valid screener for potential psychological issues impacting a person’s ability to carry out normal functions in the normal (non-clinical) population.
Results:
- A statistical difference was found between the control and active group pre- and post-test GHQ scores. The active (used MBSR) group were higher for the GHQ which supported the hypothesis that MBSR positively influences general well-being.
If you would like try the same MBSR activity or know more about how MBSR can help members of your team achieve more Contact us here or Book a free 15-30 minute consult here
I hope this information is of value.
Margie Ireland, Leadership Coach and Psychologist (MAPS)
