Body/mind psychology in manager development: A route to enhanced managerial effectiveness

In this paper, body/mind work is offered by Donna Burnett and Kim James as an approach to enhancing managerial effectiveness. Links between physical patterns of muscular tension, unconscious attitudes which inform behaviour, and personal history are made. It is proposed that by diagnosing the muscular tension patterns held in the body, corresponding unhelpful attitudes can be challenged and changed. The personal development work built on this philosophy allows individuals to identify and channel their strengths, and understand and transform blocks to effectiveness. Finally, a case study of a programme which incorporates this form of body/mind psychology is presented.