The Importance of becoming a Compassionate Leader

Here we go, more fluffy stuff.

That may be your thinking, but please hear me out in this short review of the power of developing a compassionate leadership mindset and skill to accelerate your business.

As you may have noticed, the COVID19 pandemic has changed how we work and how we relate to each other as people.

This has led to many challenges developing in the remote and virtual worlds that we have created, where we have lost the art of being together and communicating as people. Suicides are accelerating among men, women are torn in their work and family duties. Many talk about lack of hope and no purpose in their role. Loneliness in all age groups is becoming a big issue.

So the cohesiveness that we have taken for granted in our society is under attack and that is feeding into our people who work for us in our businesses.

But it is essential as leaders that we develop an element of compassion, so as to begin to understand where our people are, and to enable us to create solutions to help them to be their BEST versions of themselves coming to work.

So let us start with the definition of compassion?

the feeling that arises when you are confronted with another's suffering and feel motivated to relieve that suffering

Granted. This will feel alien to a lot of you, and of course for some, it may be very natural. But in all cases this core skill of leadership is essential so that you are able to sense the mood of the organisation and to plan solutions to move it in the right direction. Developing compassionate leadership will:

• Improve productivity because you will be able to identify and to unlock non-motivate employees
• Create an environment of TRUST in the business that you CARE!!!
• Help you to identify those leaders who have those qualities
• Allow you to coach other leaders and lieutenants to have the same qualities
• Unlock opportunities because you will be using the same lens to identify pain points and issues with prospects and existing customers

So how does one develop a compassionate leadership mindset and skill. Remember it will take work.

1. Take time out to self-reflect on the things that you do well as a leader and things that you do not. Understand your own values, beliefs, and emotions. In turn, reflect on your interactions with others and consider how your words and actions impact them.
2. This is really hard. Try and put yourself in others' shoes and try to understand their perspectives, feelings, and experiences. Listen actively and attentively to your team members, customers, and stakeholders.
3. Create a culture of open communication where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas. Encourage feedback and actively listen to what others have to say. This for me is the one area that I initially struggled with. Not butting in with the answers and JUST listening.
4. When was the last time you said 'thank you' to someone. Offer support and encouragement to your team members, especially during challenging times. Recognise and appreciate their contributions and achievements.
5. Take time out to continuously seek opportunities to learn and grow in your understanding of compassion and empathy. Take courses, read books, or attend workshops on topics related to emotional intelligence and compassionate leadership.
6. The only downside to have this compassionate mindset is the danger on taking on too many problems and issues in your team. So set boundaries to avoid burnout and prioritise self-care. Taking care of your own well-being enables you to show up as a more compassionate and effective leader.
7. Be gracious and practice forgiveness. Letting let go of grudges or resentments toward others. Cultivate a mindset of understanding and compassion, even in difficult situations.
8. Always seek feedback from those that you trust and peers in your leadership team for areas for improvement. Use feedback as an opportunity to grow and develop your compassionate leadership skills.

By incorporating these strategies into your leadership approach, you can develop a compassionate mindset and skill that will revolutionise you, your team and your business.

If it can work for me. I am sure it can work for you. Reach out if you need more support on the link HERE.