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Being a compassionate leader isn’t just a nice thing to do—it’s a powerful lever of employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention, especially in challenging times. Here are some ways to practice and develop this essential, evidence-based leadership skill. First, start small. Demonstrating compassion doesn’t always require huge gestures. A simple encouraging comment, a brief check-in, or an expression of gratitude can go a long way. Next,be intentional about offering help. When an employee is struggling on a personal level, Instead of asking yes or no questions like, “Do you need help?” or “Is there anything I can do?” (which often sound like invitations to say “no”), try asking, “What can I do to be helpful to you today?” Then, go beyond your inner circle. Don’t limit your compassion to direct reports, close friends, or even your immediate team. Be generous with your attention and expand your influence. Finally, celebrate compassion in others. When an employee or colleague goes above and beyond to help someone else, let people know. This will help establish compassion as a virtue in your organizational culture. |
| This tip is adapted from “Leading with Compassion Has Research-Backed Benefits,” by Stephen Trzeciak et al. (From HBR) |
