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.
Compassionate leadership has the power to create thriving workplaces with employees who flourish. So, what is it? At the Center for Compassionate Leadership, we define it as treating those you lead with compassion in all situations and creating a culture of compassion that supports the flourishing of everyone connected with that culture. Let’s explore further...
We are surrounded by fear-based motivation. Marketers create a fear of missing out. Politicians promise disaster if they don’t win. Many organizational leaders use this approach, too. But fear is not our only motivator. To promote flourishing, leaders need to create psychological safety, encourage creative exploration, and respond with an attitude that treats failure as a learning opportunity.
Leaders are doers by nature, which is helpful when it comes to compassion. Skillfully moving compassion into action is how we create safety, connection and belonging for ourselves and for others. Compassion is the path we follow to support us through the uncertainty and challenges of the moment. Read about these three approaches to weave more compassionate action into your path of thriving.
The journey of life and leadership is a never-ending series of cycles, requiring different optimal action depending on the circumstances. There are two constants central to the work of every compassionate leader: self-compassion and the recognition of our shared common humanity. These two provide a powerful foundation for compassionate leaders to act, and guide their choice of the approach to use.
There is a perception among many that compassion is not a strategy of strength and that compassionate leaders are too soft or weak. There is a fear, even, of being too compassionate. Good intentions alone are not enough. A deeper understanding of compassion means that one who acts with true compassion never needs to fear being too compassionate.
