Google's Search Inside Yourself, now at NTU

Text: Kenny Chee | Photos: Hillary Tan

Chade-Meng was the first Singaporean to join Google, back in its early days in 2000. (Photo: Tan Chade-Meng)

Winding down at night used to take Rachel Chung over an hour. Her mind would race with thoughts about the next day’s tasks, despite her efforts to quiet it. “I kept trying not to overthink, but it never worked,” she recalls.

However, Rachel, who works at NTU’s Graduate College, noticed a remarkable difference after attending a workshop on campus aimed at managing mental wellbeing and improving emotional intelligence (EQ) and leadership skills.

“I now fall asleep in under 15 minutes,” she tells U magazine. “The exercises I learnt from the workshop taught me how to bring myself back to the present – to ground my thoughts.”

The workshop, held in March and organised by NTU's University Wellbeing Office (UWO), is based on the popular Search Inside Yourself course originally developed at Google and now offered globally.

Since then, the course has expanded beyond the tech company, reaching over 100,000 people in more than 150 cities worldwide, including employees of multinational corporations such as software firm SAP and financial services company American Express.

Building compassionate leadership

During the two-day NTU workshop, Rachel picked up practical techniques to help her enhance her EQ, so she can better reach out and relate to her stakeholders at work.

Unlike other mindfulness programmes focused on boosting mental wellbeing, Search Inside Yourself uses mindfulness to optimise people’s EQ skills, says Dr Yeoh Kar Kheng, the course trainer engaged for the workshop.

“What we’re trying to encourage is mindful and compassionate leadership, so that leaders are aware and able to connect with the people around them,” explains Dr Yeoh.

Trainer Dr Yeoh Kar Kheng conducting a Search Inside Yourself workshop for NTU staff.

He adds that leadership is not limited to those in managerial roles but applies to anyone aiming to make a positive impact in various community settings, including the workplace.

Another aspect of the Search Inside Yourself course is its focus on short and simple exercises – ideal for busy people. Dr Yeoh explains that these range from quick practices that take less than a minute to those encouraged as part of a daily routine, lasting 5 to 10 minutes each.

NTU staff practising a mindfulness exercise at a Search Inside Yourself workshop.

Three Search Inside Yourself workshops have been held at NTU so far, two for staff and one for students. Five more workshops are in the works. The sessions are free for attendees, with support from NTU computer engineering alumnus Tan Chade-Meng, a former Google engineer.

“My giving to NTU is motivated by altruism,” says Chade-Meng, who has also supported the University through scholarships. “But a happy side effect of that is a stronger emotional bond with my alma mater, and I very much appreciate that.”

He explains that “generosity is the greatest virtue” as what matters after people die is not what they once had, but what they gave. “Giving back also allows us to practise gratitude, which is a beautiful quality,” he adds.

By supporting the Search Inside Yourself workshops at NTU, Chade-Meng hopes the university community can improve their mental and emotional wellbeing. Doing so, he elaborates, enhances every aspect of life – from health and mental sharpness to the ability to manage situations and relationships, all while becoming better, kinder and more caring.

“I would love for my alma mater to become a shining example of mindfulness and EQ for the world and, more importantly, produce highly successful graduates who are also distinguished by their goodness,” he adds.

A 2021 published study of around 120 Search Inside Yourself course attendees found that, four weeks after the programme, they reported greater awareness of their emotions and significant improvements in mindfulness – such as being better able to focus on the present moment.

Cultivating a caring environment

Mr Chang Chiz Hau, UWO’s Deputy Director for Employee Wellbeing, says that the Search Inside Yourself course’s emphasis on EQ “encourages individuals to develop better awareness of themselves and others, to understand their own emotional triggers and how these affect others around them”.

He adds that the course also cultivates empathy and compassion, contributing to a more caring and supportive environment for everyone on campus.

NTU is exploring training university staff to deliver the Search Inside Yourself workshop to students and colleagues, creating a sustainable model for the long term.

 

This article first appeared in issue 6 of U, the NTU alumni magazine.