Mindfulness and Self-Leadership. Investigating the Impact of Daily Meditation Practices

Master's Thesis from the year 2021 in the subject Leadership and Human Resources - Miscellaneous, grade: 1,3, University of Applied Sciences Berlin, language: English, abstract: This master's thesis aims to investigate whether self-leadership skills can be improved through mindfulness practices, particularly meditation. The study involves a quantitative, anonymous examination of 138 volunteers over an eight-week period, during which participants engaged in daily five to ten-minute meditation sessions and completed surveys assessing mindfulness and self-leadership. The central research question guiding this study is: Can mindfulness practices, specifically meditation, strengthen self-leadership skills? This question drives the empirical investigation into the potential link between mindfulness and self-leadership, aiming to provide practical insights into the effectiveness of mindfulness practices in personal and professional development. Drawing from organizational management, psychology, and neuroscience, the theoretical framework of the thesis provides a foundational understanding of self-leadership, mindfulness, and meditation. By exploring how these concepts intersect, the thesis seeks to elucidate the mechanisms underlying their potential impact on self-leadership. In the empirical section, the methodology employed for the study is outlined, detailing the research design, survey construction, and data analysis techniques. Through careful analysis of the collected data, the study aims to discern any effects of meditation on self-leadership skills, while also considering potential demographic influences. By bridging theory and practice, this thesis endeavors to contribute to the understanding of how mindfulness practices, particularly meditation, can enhance self-leadership skills. It offers valuable insights for individuals and organizations seeking to leverage mindfulness practices for personal and professional growth in today's challenging work environments. In summary, this thesis serves as a platform for exploring the relationship between mindfulness and self-leadership in a pragmatic and accessible manner, aiming to provide actionable insights for fostering individual effectiveness and well-being.