In 2025, Practice Self-Compassion: A Key Leadership Trait We Often Forget

Brave. Authentic. Magnanimous.

Recently, I reflected on the principles that the leaders I work with through BAM Leadership Coaching share (as well as the hundreds of powerful leaders I have collaborated with over the years have in common) —and what sets them apart. I found that, without fail, they embody three core qualities: bravery, authenticity, and magnanimity.

Brave:

To be brave is to recognize fear and move forward anyway. It's the courage to face the unknown and take action despite the uncertainty. What’s something that scares you, but you would do it if fear wasn’t a factor? It’s about pushing past that fear and taking that first step.

Authentic:

Authenticity is about staying true to yourself, even when others may not agree. In her book Untamed, Glennon Doyle writes that part of our purpose in life is to disappoint others so we don’t disappoint ourselves. Being authentic requires owning who you are, regardless of external expectations.

Magnanimous:

Magnanimity is generosity—towards others and, as importantly, towards ourselves. This is what I want to focus on today: the importance of being generous with yourself first and foremost. When we are kind and generous to ourselves, we can more readily extend that same generosity to others.

So many leaders are generous to others but forget to extend the same kindness to themselves. It’s easier to care for others than it is to care for ourselves. We often hold ourselves to unrealistically high standards, or worse, we blame ourselves for things beyond our control. We encourage others to take care of themselves, but we neglect our own needs.

I’m guilty of this. I frequently offer kind words to others but don’t always take the time to apply them to myself. We all need to practice more self-compassion.

How Can We Be Generous With Ourselves in 2025?

Start by considering this: How would you treat a colleague (or even friend/family member) or direct report? If the way you would treat them is kinder than how you’re treating yourself, then it’s time to pause and reflect. Don’t get so focused on the mountains you still need to climb that you forget to recognize the mountains you’ve already conquered. Give yourself credit for what you’ve achieved so far—that recognition will give you the strength to keep going.

Take the time to rest and recharge. Your well-being is just as important as the work you do.