The Incorporation of Low-Dose Mindfulness as a Leading Edge Creative Problem-Solving Intervention
In collaboration and partnership with Harris County Public Health Services’ Public Health Innovation (PHI) Lab, John conducted a research study on the effects of a low-dose mindfulness intervention on the creative problem-solving functions of three intact innovation project teams.
Abstract
As organizations continue to feel the pressure to adapt and innovate quickly, creativity has become a crucial factor for success. Mindfulness training may represent a new effective way to facilitate workplace creativity as it may yield substantial benefits in awareness, attitude, and attention that may lead to enhanced creativity. This study explored the perceived effects of low-dose mindfulness training on the cognitive processes of ideation and decision-making on an intact innovation laboratory workgroup, as well as the impact on overall workgroup effectiveness. The participation in a low-dose mindfulness training program for a minimum of four minutes a day for four weeks yielded positive workplace outcomes. Participants described the benefits of improvements in attention and awareness that resulted in positive changes in well-being, interpersonal relationships, and team effectiveness. However, results were mixed and inconclusive on the effect of the mindfulness training on ideation, decision-making, and workplace creativity.