How is our "cognitive" approach to "mindfulness" different and important for org

While we see a lot in the literature about mindfulness, and increasingly the same in organizations, it is often not well described as a theoretical base. In the traditional approach, a more Eastern-based, thoughtful reflective process involving meditation and similar techniques are used to create a mindfulness state, which in turn, releases dysfunctional attitudes and attributions in favor of a judgement-free (or almost) state. In our approach, which follows directly from the framework developed and tested by Dr. Ellen Langer, the construct of cognitive flexibility is at the core of the framework. Increasing one's cognitive flexibility encourages noticing novelty - what is going on in the present situation, and further enhances our ability to deconstruct our biases in favor of a non-rule governed approach to life and work. It is, in other words, a state of being rather than a tool to achieve post meditative mindfulness. For some, the approach developed through the Eastern-based contemplative practice brings optimal well-being; for many others, however, meditation practices and the like are less attractive than the intellectually based analysis of how one is thinking and how that contributes to a state of mindlessness.

Here is a commentary that my great colleague Francesco Pagnini and I wrote to introduce some of our corporate colleagues and others to these differences.