There is no compassionate leadership without compassion, and we at Technalink believe that compassion is a work in progress that we can always improve. Compassion is the ability to connect and empathize, and for compassionate leaders, the ability to drive others to reach their full potential. 5 ways to make your compassion run deeper are:
1. Look beyond words
You may hear what a person is saying, but do you really know what they mean? While words certainly have different meanings, they can often only convey a portion of our true emotions, which is why it’s important to see past the words to what the person is really trying to communicate. Looking beyond words for the true message is a way compassionate leaders can communicate effectively with a sense of empathy no matter the situation.
2. Remember to listen
Don’t listen to speak, but listen to absorb. Open communication is impossible when employees don’t believe you really hear what they’re trying to say, and without open communication, a leader can never get to a true place of compassionate leadership. While having a conversation, place emphasis on your listening ability, and focus less on what you are trying to say.
3. Be ready to put yourself in their shoes
Empathy requires an ability to put yourself in another person’s shoes, and this is a practice that can be completed personally and professionally to truly deepen your empathy. While you may never truly know all of their experiences and feelings firsthand, being ready to place yourself in their position without hesitation is your next best bet.
4. Forgive yourself so you can forgive others
Mistakes happen, and even when they’re frustrating, they are a way of life. Learning to forgive yourself for your own mistakes will make learning to truly forgive others much easier, and forgiveness is a large part of deep compassion. For the compassionate leader, learning to forgive yourself and get back up will translate to more open, honest, and meaningful interactions with yourself and others in the workplace.
5. Have a support system
Compassion breeds compassion, and having your own support system you can count on will make you a more compassionate person and a more compassionate leader. Friends, family, or a professional group can become your compassion support system, and you can all work together to lift one another up and encourage each other to become better.
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