Compassionate leadership can be found in many settings, some expected and some surprising. Three recent events within the NBA show that compassion can be practiced even within hyper-competitive environments. Here are three recent examples that display traits of compassionate leadership: awareness, empathy, collaboration, and the promotion of diverse teams.
Although our brains desire certainty, we live in a highly uncertain world. This can lead to over-controlling behaviors. By letting go of these behaviors, leaders can unleash powerful innovation and energy within their teams and improve team performance. Here are three principles to help you let go of control in order to lead more effectively.
Work has always been serious. On top of this, COVID-19 has disrupted most of our work norms, and we are finally facing a global reckoning after centuries of systemic racism. Is it okay to have fun, too? YES! Playfulness, fun, spontaneity, and silliness are all attributes that contribute to organizational success, and will help us to thrive in the face of the very serious challenges of the world.
Due to the tragic murder of George Floyd, the reality of racism is being acknowledged to a degree not previously seen. Decisive actions, not words, are what will be required to alter the four-hundred-year history of racism in the United States. These five articles can support compassionate leaders as they seek to confront and transform the state of race in our world.
Leading with compassion is a powerful means to dismantle the structure of systemic racism. Gain a greater awareness of the experiences of others, and you are on the path to becoming a stronger compassionate leader. What else are you learning? What else are you doing? How else do you plan to contribute to the elimination of systemic racism?
Now that much of the world is moving toward reopening after the COVID lockdown, it’s time to explore the many ways our lives and organizations will change in the post-pandemic society. In our recent survey, “Compassionate Leadership Amid the Chaos,” we asked participants “What do you believe could come out of this crisis?”
