
Are You Like Me? I thrive on compassion—both giving and receiving it. Who doesn’t like to feel seen, appreciated, and understood, especially during tough times? When I can put myself in others’ shoes, I create deeper connections, safe spaces, and trust.
Especially in today’s world, compassion is more important than ever. The political unrest, global wars, and social media make everyday life more stressful for us all. How you show up as a leader during these times can make an enormous difference.
Compassion is not an invitation for employees to do less or not achieve milestones: it creates the opposite. When your employees know you truly care about them as people first, they will give back in spades.
Here are some suggestions I have used in the past to help with compassion in the workplace:
Vulnerability is Key: Being open and honest with your team is crucial. Show your vulnerability and let them see that you’re human too. This builds trust and encourages them to share their own struggles.
Put Yourself in Their Shoes: Imagine how you would feel in their situation. When you understand their perspective, you can respond with empathy and support, creating a more caring and connected team environment.
Communication is Essential: Keep the lines of communication open. Make sure everyone on your team knows they can come to you with their concerns. Regular check-ins can help you stay connected and address any issues early on.
Give Time and Space with Reasonable Expectations: Provide your team with the time and space they need to cope with challenges, but also set clear, reasonable expectations. Balance support with accountability to keep things moving forward without adding extra pressure.
Self-Coaching Questions: Ask yourself: What can I control in this situation? How can I support my team without overstepping? Self-reflection helps you lead with intention and clarity.
Bring Them Back to the Work as They Are Able: When team members are ready, gently guide them back to their tasks. Help them focus on their work in a way that feels manageable and supportive.
Thank Them for Trusting You: Express your gratitude for their trust. Let them know you appreciate their openness and willingness to share their struggles. This reinforces a culture of trust and respect.
Give Extra Support or Back Away: Be attentive to their needs. Sometimes they might need extra support, and other times, they might need space. Gauge your response based on what they need in the moment.
Watch the Gratitude Come Back in Discretionary Effort: When you lead with compassion, your team will feel valued and supported. This often translates into increased effort and commitment. Gratitude fosters a positive, productive work environment.
By embracing compassionate leadership, you can create a workplace where everyone feels seen, heard, and appreciated. This not only improves individual well-being but also strengthens the team as a whole.
Take The Sinha Group Leadership Self- Assessment to learn about your leadership style, your strengths and opportunities! Get started here: https://thesinhagroup.scoreapp.com/
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