For many people, 2020 is already the definition of a stressful year. COVID-19 has dramatically changed the way people live and work. For some businesses, such as amusement parks, it’s been devastating to profits.

Many people and businesses today are still struggling with the changes to work and life that the COVID-19 pandemic has wrought. While there is hope for a return to normal life, it’s also clear that this is unlikely to happen in America and other parts of the world this year.

While it’s true that America often values independence and self-sufficiency, that can sometimes get in the way of valuable opportunities for growth. Children, for example, are not expected to get by on their own without the help of their parents. In the same way, we may undergo personal and professional development if others offer us the chance to do so.

Mala beads are used by yogis and Buddhist monks when reciting their prayers or mantras. The 108 beads of a mala help achieve concentration. There are different types of beads, such as wood and crystals, and they each have different purposes:

Compassion is not a word often associated with business leaders. However, we find that the best leaders with the OM factor are those who are compassionate in addition to being mindful, spiritual, and ambitious. Compassion is the ability to see things from others’ perspective. Leaders who have it do not just empathize; they also see each employee as essential to the organization.

Cultivating mindfulness as an individual is important for any leader. It will shape you to become a conscious leader that your colleagues will respect and trust. But compassionate leadership will not go that far if you are the only one who practices mindfulness. It must trickle down to everyone in your organization if you want it to become part of your organizational culture.

Leaders are getting younger and younger, especially now that more senior workers are starting to dwindle in number. Younger leaders are seen as innovators—those who will take risks in producing fresher ideas and perspectives that will benefit the company.

If you want to be successful in being a compassionate leader, showing appreciation is one of the best ways to keep your workforce happy, determined, and productive. This is because employees want to be recognized for a job well done. It makes them want to work harder to continue gaining your approval.