Leading with Compassion in Challenging Times
Image by Michael Palumbo Coaching & Consulting
Compassionate leadership brings forth the best in people during challenging times.
Common experience builds connection and collective consciousness. The global health crisis is like a thread weaving together individuals across continents. However, there is a wide array of individual experiences across a common backdrop. How does this inform leadership opportunities?
Each individual experience can be different based on factors such as socio-economic status, industry and home life. Some have lost loved ones and seen many others fall ill. People in regions with fewer cases and lower population density may not experience the fear and grief tied to the virus.
For those who work in offices, restaurants or factories, physical distancing and closure of businesses are major disruptors. Those without children who usually work from home may feel that not much has changed during the work week. Only the weekends are disrupted.
For parents homeschooling children in crowded households, there isn’t a minute of downtime or space to yourself which can lead to burnout and high stress. For others living alone, this is an intense period of isolation and boredom which can wear down the spirit.
How do these different experiences inform leadership opportunities? Leadership can come from anyone, in any role, at any time.
Whether you are in a highly visible position of authority leading from “the front,” or part of a team or smaller organization, now is the time to lead with compassion. Now is the time to reach out and ask how people are doing. Now is the time to ask, “What do you need? How can I be of service?” Then listen intently.
Offering compassion and asking how can I be of service will have a ripple effect of positivity. Leading with small steps and acts of service will help write a global story about people coming together in the most challenging times.
Who comes to mind to reach out to in your professional life?
- Your manager?
- The person you usually grabbed lunch with?
- Your teammate who is farthest away?
- The colleague in your network who makes you laugh the most?
Or is there someone in your personal life who lives alone and would love to hear from you?
With one person in mind, here are some ideas to bring out your best right now:
- Call them and ask how they are doing
- Listen then ask them what they need
- Email them a funny story you remember about them
- Text them and thank them for how they made a positive impact on you
To bring out the best in others, lead with your heart and bring out the best in yourself.