Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way

Compassionate leadership is defined as the intention to be of benefit to others. It is different from empathy, which can lead to bias and narrow-mindedness. Compassionate leadership focuses on the big picture, considering the well-being of the entire team or organization. Empathy alone can lead to burnout and overwhelmed feelings. Compassionate leaders balance empathy with a growth mindset, wisdom, and self-awareness. They create a safe and inclusive environment, building trust, engagement, and job satisfaction. Being aware of our ego and cultivating mindfulness through meditation or self-assessment can help leaders navigate difficult conversations, deliver feedback, and make decisions with caring candor. Curiosity and open-ended questions foster two-way communication, leading to better understanding and growth. It is important for leaders to separate the person from their behavior, maintain a growth mindset, invite follow-up conversations, and continue learning and developing their leadership skills.