Ravinder Tulsiani Human Resources: Turn up the Quiet at Work

Is it possible we are witnessing a tipping point? After reading Malcolm Gladwell’s book on tipping points a few years back I’ve become more aware of the momentum that gathers around an idea. Malcom Gladwell defines a tipping point as "the moment of critical mass, the threshold, the boiling point".

The imminent tipping point I’m feeling is the need to unplug and be quiet. In just two weeks, I’ve seen an amazing YouTube clip called ‘Look Up’ about the benefits of unplugging (show your kids this one), Harvard Business School published their latest research on the importance of quiet reflection and the business benefits that come from doing it and The Leadership Circle (in partnership with the University of Wollongong) had a deeply intimate look at how the country’s top 20 leaders spend their quiet time. And as if that’s not enough, Andrew Denton went public on the weekend about the need to ‘Step Away from Your Device’.

So it’s no wonder The Institute of Executive Coaching and Leadership (IECL) wanted to Partner with The Yoga Foundation to launch Corporate Quiet Quest this year.

Corporate Quiet Quest is a month long event in October promoting the need to unplug devices and be mindfully silent. No … you don’t need to meditate (although it would be nice), or even learn how to meditate. You do need to unplug and stop talking for 30 minutes every day for 30 days. That’s why it’s called a Quest: it will take effort from team members and courage from their leaders. It’s a way to get some mental downtime, to breathe, to reflect more deeply on the important questions affecting your team, your business, and your clients. Try going for a walk without your phone, to stop doing, and use 30 minutes to think about who you are being.

Corporate Quiet Quest is also a way of raising money to support the work of The Yoga Foundation, an Australian not for profit organisation with a focus on reducing anxiety and depression, especially for people who have no way to access the benefits of yoga in the community. Workplace stress can also lead to anxiety and depression.

IECL's mission is to develop the next generation of exceptional leaders and they acknowledge that quiet, reflective time is a key component of performance in our chaotic, modern world. Which is why they have created a way for team leaders to take the risk out of corporate quiet time and optimise the returns, both personal and business, with specially designed Quiet Quest workshops at the beginning and the end of the month.

The IECL will give 50% of their fees for this service to The Yoga Foundation. Your company will receive the tax deduction for the donation. Find out more http://www.iecl.com/ourpartners.html

As someone connected to the IECL you are invited be part of the critical mass that Malcolm Gladwell refers to. You can create a team or go solo. Check out your options at www.quietquest.com.au You may prefer the 15 hours of unplugged silence in one day option.

We’re on the threshold of something QUIET.

For more information: http://quietquest.gofundraise.com.au/cms/corporatequietquest

Jill Danks

Jill is a Level Three accredited IECL Executive Coach with a passion for meditation and yoga. As well as practicing as a freelance coach, she volunteers as part of the management team at The Yoga Foundation. Quiet Quest was created as an annual event focused on the need to unplug and be silent and this is its second year. Contact Jill at info@quietquest.com.au

Resources:

HBS – Reflecting on work improves Job Performance http://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/7509.html

SMH May 17, 2014 – Step Away From Your Device http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/why-andrew-denton-takes-pleasure-in-missing-out-20140515-38ao2.html

SMH March 24, 2014 – Workplace Stress Next Target
http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/workplace-stress-the-next-target-for-beyondblue-after-survey-finds-one-in-four-think-depressed-people-are-a-danger-to-others-20140323-35blk.html

Gary Turk – ‘Look Up’ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY