From the moment we wake, headlines scream at us and videos cause our stomachs to lurch. It’s tempting to tune out when paying attention can be overwhelming, but a multitude of voices remind us that the time for compassion is now. We’re not strangers to threats to humanity and the planet. The impacts of climate change, social injustice, war and the suffering these forces cause are very present.
Ladders. Jungle Gyms. Plateaus. Mountain tops. All of these nouns are used to describe the things we can climb in our professional and personal journeys. The dots from here to there connect our choices and create our stories, both for ourselves and the organizations we steward. Like small children on a playground, we find ourselves wondering where, when, and what to climb...
As the world gets more complex, we grapple with ways to make sense of our place in its complexity. The temptation to think of situations as black/white or either/or is strong. Humans are programmed to seek clear answers – when we turn towards nuance and invite “yes, and…” into our responses as leaders, there are more opportunities for compassion in choices that better serve our organizations.
Compassion in leadership is exactly what is needed in these challenging times. Trailblazing leaders already bringing this approach into their organizations see the positive impact and change, and at the same time recognize that the path is not easy. If we are to lead compassionately, we must first be willing to non-judgmentally acknowledge things as they are, not as we wish they would be.
Organizations that prioritize compassion, safety, connection and belonging are still in the minority and countercultural to our traditional organizational and belief systems. The community of dedicated compassionate leaders who want to contribute to a more compassionate world still faces many challenges within mainstream work culture. How do we continue to stay resourced and motivated? Find out...
What do we think of when we think of enemies? We understand opposites and how they pull in directions that conflict with each other. It isn’t only opposites that can undermine your efforts. Consider the idea of a “near enemy” – something that seems like it should support an intention but actually weakens it. When it comes to compassionate leadership, there are many near enemies. Let’s explore...
When we ask people at the start of our trainings about their curiosities around compassionate leadership, one of the most common questions is, “How can I be a compassionate leader and hold people accountable?” At the Center, compassion and accountability are completely aligned. Discover the five Cs of accountability – five contributors to holding people accountable while leading compassionately.
Some people give and give and give of themselves until they don’t have any more to give. Is there a point where the giving turns counterproductive; when someone is “compassionate to a fault?” This can and does happen, and when it does, it shows the need for awareness of one’s own needs, the value of boundaries, and the importance of understanding what compassion truly is.
