Interested in the relationship between compassion and leadership? The compassionate leadership approach isn’t just leading a team with a friendly smile, it can be a real game-changer for spearheading the success of your organisation.
For expert support understanding the various components of this leadership style and how you can become this type of leader, the experienced coaches at Leadership Success have put together this handy guide to compassionate leadership.
What is compassionate leadership?
Compassionate leadership is the practice of focusing on the wellbeing of each member of the team to encourage them to thrive, in turn, this tends to also increase productivity and high-quality work.
As the name suggests, this more humanistic approach to leadership focuses on leaders putting themselves in their employee’s shoes, then showing them compassion through sympathy, support, and respect.
It revolves around the belief that people do their best work and reach their full potential when they feel understood, listened to, and cared for. Individuals that practice compassionate leadership therefore spend a lot of their time and effort building positive, professional relationships with other members of their team.
Adopt a non-judgemental approach
As a leader, a judgemental approach only serves to push team members away by invalidating the way they’re feeling. Compassionate leaders therefore make an active effort not to judge others, recognising that there’s no need to label a behaviour as ‘good’ or ‘bad’, only to cultivate an empathetic, open, and honest environment.
This allows team members to feel more empowered, safe in the knowledge that they won’t be judged.
Show empathy and understanding
A good compassionate leader takes a vested interest in understanding, and empathising with, the problems of their team members. More than simply acknowledging that a member of their team is struggling, showing understanding of what they’re going through and empathising with their situation can make them feel more connected and supported.
Become an active listener
To have the necessary compassion and understanding for a team member, a leader must also be a competent listener. However, instead of listening with the intent to respond, a compassionate leader listens with the intent of understanding someone else’s point of view.
Once a leader truly understands their employees, they can action effective changes that make a real, tangible difference.
Act with kindness and altrusim
As Former First Lady of the United States, Eleanor Roosevelt, once said, “To handle yourself, use your head; to handle others, use your heart.” This quote couldn’t be more applicable to this next powerful compassionate leadership trait – acting with kindness and altruism.
Showing kindness towards your team can be instrumental in improving engagement within your business, enhancing company relationships, and promoting team cohesiveness.
Be self-aware and show self-compassion
One of the only ways that leaders can improve their professional skills is through greater self-awareness of both their own strengths and weaknesses. A good compassionate leader therefore welcomes and embraces feedback from their team because they care about how they come across to others.
Not to mention, while compassionate leadership focuses on showing other team members compassion, that same compassion should be afforded to the leader, too. Self-compassion as a leader ensures they treat themselves with the same care and kindness that they would offer other members of their team.
Develop your leadership skills with Leadership Success
Eager to adopt the compassionate leadership approach? If you’d like to learn how to be a compassionate leader, then you’ve come to the right place. At Leadership Success, we offer more than just one-size-fits-all leadership training.
Instead, our extensive network of external delivery partners provides tailored leadership development guidance to help you identify your specific issues and work through them. Offering a safe and confidential space as well as an objective view, you’ll learn invaluable insights about your leadership approach.
No matter what kind of managerial position you’re currently working in (or wanting to move into), the right personalised leadership development program and practical assessment services can help you to achieve your goals – why not speak to one of our experts to find out more?
Please don’t hesitate to call our friendly team today on 02045292622. You can also get in touch by emailing your enquiry to hello@leadershipsuccess.co or looking us up on social media.
