Compassion - a new prerequisite for leadership

Compassion may sound a bit unusual for the workplace. After all, it is an emotion typically associated with response to others’ suffering. Yet compassion does indeed play an important role in the workplace, especially for leaders. 

Compassion means “co-suffering”. It is a positive emotion that allows people to demonstrate that they do care for their people and are willing to extend a helping hand. Practicing and exhibiting compassion has the ability to spread harmony in any environment, making it ideal for the workplace. In psychology, compassion is considered as more of an action instead of an emotion. Combining care, empathy, and love, being compassionate helps alleviate the suffering of others.

According to studies, organisations that operate with compassion have employees with greater job satisfaction and less stress. What’s more, workplace compassion also promotes employee engagement, dedication, and loyalty. Employees who work together with compassion are more likely to cooperate and help each other out.

In this article, we will make an attempt to look at what it means to have compassion in the workplace.

1. Start with yourself

We often use this expression: “Charity begins at home”. Any positive feelings should begin from within. After all, we can’t show love and kindness to anyone else until you give it to ourselves first. We can begin by forgiving ourselves for mistakes we have made in the past, compliment ourselves, and focus on what we’re good at instead of what we aren’t. First we must have compassion for ourselves, so, let’s learn how to cultivate self-compassion. 

2. Get to know your people better

Leading a team or being part of a team makes people feel like they have a connection with one another. Spare some quality time to connect with others at the workplace – perhaps someone you normally don’t work directly with – and ask them about their life. Try to remember their name and use it again when you meet and greet them next time. It will make them feel valued and included.

3. Connect well

A sound communication pattern is crucial when it comes to being compassionate @Work. Regardless of the fact that you’re talking to a senior, a colleague, or to a direct report, communicate clearly and express your thoughts unambiguously. You should also listen to anyone who chooses to open up to you with patience and an open mind. Always remember two words: Empathize and Sympathize. These are two simple ways. You can exhibit compassion by encouraging and cheering others for their determination, achievements, and hard work. Read my related article.

4. Look after your teams all the way

If you spot that a colleague is struggling with something that you excel in, step in to offer your knowledge and skills. Likewise, if you see a co-worker has a lot on their plate, and you have some free time, offer to take a load off for them. They will be grateful, and showing them that you want to help others will inspire them and make them feel happier and eventually they will replicate.  

If you notice a change in mood or working ability in a colleague, consider approaching them to discuss it. Perhaps there's something difficult going on in their personal life that is making them suffer with anxiety and/or depression. Showing that you care is a compassionate act. Keep yourself informed if an employee has recently experienced a loss at immediate family. Read my related article.

5. Have Your Say

Try and develop an environment of conscious communication at the workplace. Encourage colleagues to engage openly with one another and share their opinions and feedback through constructive criticism. Employees openly discussing their feelings and thoughts truthfully may be more likely to work through challenges together.

Final Word

When we refer to Holy Qur’an, we find hundreds of verses on Compassion. One such relevant verse is reproduced here: “It is a mercy from Allah that you were gentle with them. If you had been rough or hard of heart, they would have scattered from around you. So pardon them and ask forgiveness for them, and consult with them about the matter. Then when you have reached a firm decision, put your trust in Allah . Allah loves those who put their trust in Him. (3:159)

While leading organisations, one must ask this question: When was the last time I exhibited compassion for a colleague @Work? Communicating with kindness and empathy improves the employees’ value system by making them feel more like part of the team. It reduces pressure, anxiety, and makes them more resilient to stress and burnout. All of these reasons are why many leading organizations make creating a compassionate workplace a priority.

To summarize, compassion is empathy in action. It is based on a wholesome desire to connect with others and to meet their needs. The best way to understand what compassion is, however, is to see how it actually leads, in practice, to the renewal of both leaders and those around them, and ultimately to sustainable resonance and results.

Learn how sometimes smaller things in our lives make huge impact and you can take some learnings on a personal and professional level by following me on LinkedIn and on our official website. Also follow us on social media: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.

Muhammad Sajwani is the Founder and Managing Director of Evolve HR which aims at transforming, enriching and evolving Human Capital of Pakistan, At Evolve HR thrives in challenging assumptions that hinder organisational aspirations, by creating innovative solutions that yield maximum impact, scalability & benefit to a wider base of stakeholders. As a Business Coach and Organisational Consultant, Sajwani knows how to combine business insights with people insights to transform organisations and put them on the path to growth.