What does compassionate leadership look like in real life? Drawing on intention statements from hundreds of leaders across sectors around the world, this article reveals five practical ways people apply compassion every day – from self-compassion and courageous conversations to shaping teams, routines, and systems for lasting impact.

There are always going to be people who really push our buttons. Our natural, conditioned reaction when they shove in the wrong direction is to push back harder the other way. Rarely is this the most helpful response. Compassion as the response to difficult behaviors is the counterintuitive solution that leads to safety, connection, and belonging for all.