Developing positive self-leadership through “Inner Engineering”

Abstract

PurposeThe study evaluated the effect of a comprehensive yogic methodology called “Inner Engineering Online” (IEO) on developing positive self-leadership. The authors hypothesized that IEO would equip participants with knowledge and skills to optimize their functioning in major experiential dimensions of the self (body, mind, emotion, and energy) and produce a synergistic effect in enhancing well-being and positive organizational behavior for employees, leaders, and entrepreneurs.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a field quasi-experimental one group design with pre- and post-tests. The sample consists of 97 employees, 84 leaders and 76 entrepreneurs in various industries (N = 264).FindingsThe pairwise t-test results show that IEO has a positive effect on well-being (mindfulness, joy, vitality, and restfulness) and positive organizational behavior (meaningful work, psychological capital, and work engagement).Research limitations/implicationsThe study is limited by the lack of a control group. Future research may use a randomized control design to confirm the present findings and explore the mechanisms through which IEO exercises its effect and other positive outcomes.Practical implicationsIEO complements the behavioral and cognitive strategies of self-leadership by including emotional and energetic strategies to produce a synergistic effect on positive outcomes. The program is multi-lingual and scalable and can be implemented in and outside of the organizational settings globally.Originality/valueThe study proposes the concept of positive self-leadership and is the first study to investigate the potentiality of an emerging program for developing positive self-leadership.