Being both courageously authentic and compassionately wise in my leadership is a delicate juggling act. The challenge is in showing compassion even as I speak my truth and stay true to my values. These two poles are on a continuum of integrity, and learning to hold both is part of developing ethical maturity, as discussed in the last reflection.
Compassionate wisdom is crucial for leaders. It strengthens our ability to connect with and support others, fostering a more empathetic and effective leadership style in all of those we lead. The human heart is compassionate, but without wisdom, that compassion will not work. Wisdom is the openness that lets us see what is essential and most effective.
At the same time, having too much compassion can be problematic. It must be paired with the wisdom that encourages us to grow and change.
It is part of my role as a coach and change leader to hold the mirror without flinching. By incorporating empathy, I can reflect what I see in a way that encourages others to grow.
Developing compassion in leadership
Authenticity requires courage. It also takes bravery to maintain the gaze in response to the suffering we encounter. Exploring this element of compassion can support you in seeing where you are strong, where you are challenged, and where you have opportunities for growth.
1 – Recognize suffering
When you notice withdrawal, dependency, defeatism, control and rigidity in yourself, others and systems, realize that these are common masks of suffering.
2 – Understand suffering
Connect to the universal wounds of rejection, abandonment, humiliation, betrayal, and injustice.
3 – Feel into suffering
Empathize with the distress of others, with systems, and with parts of yourself.
4 – Accept suffering
Sustain the gaze and remain even through the discomfort of feelings like fear, disgust and anger.
5 – Ease suffering
Consider how you can take action to alleviate the suffering.
As part of your reflection, think on where you excel in leading with compassion in different contexts — towards yourself, others, and the world. By embracing this journey, you lead by offering healing as well as addressing much-needed change.
Kerry Woodcock PhD, PCC, ORSCC, ACTC, EIA-SP, ITCA, ESIA, develops core, collective and change leadership capacity in leaders, teams and organizations, coaching pioneers and influencers to amplify the power of relationship and lead over the edge of change.Â
Invitation | Want to explore further?
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How does your soul inform you and what informs your soul? Why is this important as a change leader and why especially now? Soul Sala, our nine-month transformational leadership program, encourages you to explore these questions and more.
Dive in
Even when overwhelmed, frustrated or angry, we can connect, feel, sustain and respond. This August, join us to widen the circle of compassion in our seven-day Compassion Challenge.