How can you use mindfulness to improve your work relationships?

1 Listen mindfully

One of the most important skills for building trust and rapport in any relationship is listening. But listening is not just about hearing what someone says. It's also about being fully present, attentive, and empathetic. Mindful listening means that you avoid distractions, judgments, and interruptions, and instead focus on understanding the speaker's perspective, feelings, and needs. You can practice mindful listening by using cues like eye contact, nodding, and paraphrasing to show that you are engaged and interested. You can also ask open-ended questions to clarify and explore the topic further.

2 Speak mindfully

Another key skill for effective communication is speaking. Speaking mindfully means that you choose your words carefully, express yourself clearly, and respect the listener's point of view. Mindful speaking means that you avoid blaming, criticizing, or attacking, and instead use "I" statements, positive feedback, and constructive suggestions. You can practice mindful speaking by using the RAIN acronym: Recognize your emotions, Allow them to be there, Investigate what triggered them, and Non-identify with them. This can help you calm down, gain insight, and respond rather than react.

3 Collaborate mindfully

Working in environmental services often requires teamwork and cooperation. Collaborating mindfully means that you value diversity, share ideas, and support each other. Mindful collaboration means that you avoid competition, isolation, or domination, and instead use appreciation, curiosity, and creativity. You can practice mindful collaboration by using the ABCD model: Acknowledge the strengths and contributions of each team member, Bridge the gaps and differences between them, Create a shared vision and goal, and Deliver the best possible outcome.

4 Resolve conflicts mindfully

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, conflicts may arise in your work relationships. Resolving conflicts mindfully means that you acknowledge the problem, listen to both sides, and find a win-win solution. Mindful conflict resolution means that you avoid avoidance, aggression, or compromise, and instead use empathy, assertiveness, and negotiation. You can practice mindful conflict resolution by using the SBI framework: Describe the Situation, explain the Behavior, and express the Impact. This can help you state the facts, express your feelings, and request a change.

Mindfulness is not only a personal practice, but also a relational one. By using mindfulness to improve your work relationships in environmental services, you can enhance your performance, satisfaction, and well-being.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?