A Case Study of Mindful Leadership in an Ability to Develop Focus, Clarity, and Creativity of the Leader of Buddhist Higher Education Institute

Abstract

This research is a single case study using a qualitative approach that produces descriptive data consisting of written or oral words resulted from interviews and observation. The research was carried out at Buddhist Higher Education Institute, the Institute of Advanced Buddhist Studies – Plum Village Buddhist Monastery Upper Hamlet of France. The research procedures used in this case study consist of six steps of case study research by Robert K. Yin. The research data collection was obtained by purposive sampling and snowball sampling. Data analysis techniques are used through pattern matching, explanation making, and analyzing data time series. This research found that mindful leadership can develop concentration and be more focused and have clarity. Clarity within the leader can bring up conditions of calm and peace that give a significant effect on how to respond to an existing condition. By being calm, then the leader has clarity and creativity. This situation helps the leader to recognize what is happening and helps further to decide what to do. This decision helps leadership in responding to the situation. Mindful leadership focuses on actions and internal circumstances, not on intellectual quality. The development of the leaders’ internal state is related to the behavior and emotional state of each of them. Leadership that provides democratic qualities in the delivery of opinions and decision-making processes both personally and collectively strengthen the effectiveness of his leadership, and develop essential behaviors related to emotional and social intelligence.