Developing positive self-leadership through “Inner Engineering”

Purpose: The 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/approach: The 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). Findings: The 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/implications: The 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 implications: IEO 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/value: The 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.