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.
Burnout is an unsettling and an unsettled topic. Just released in the US, Running on Empty: Navigating the dangers of burnout at work, by Amy Bradley and Katherine Semler shows what we do know about burnout: the experience is brutal. Using a unique individual narrative approach, Running on Empty brings a new perspective to addressing the challenges of burnout.
Aiming for perfect is a noble goal. The trouble is that perfection is not really possible, and we often ignore perfectionism's downright harmful effects. Tapping into our ambitions in a healthy way without going over the edge is possible. It requires an understanding of perfectionism itself, a recognition of our connection to others, and a willingness to set boundaries and limits.
We are pleased to share the perspectives of our colleague Nida Balamur, a participant in the current Compassionate Leadership Certification Program cohort, reporting from the front lines of the 2023 Turkish earthquakes. We are grateful for her heartfelt perspectives on empathy and compassion during this devastating time.
Given the existential threats we face, this year’s selections embody relevant compassionate leadership themes: start from a grounded place, be aware of what truly is, see the whole picture to change the system, embrace systemic complexities and paradox, and be courageous in action. We hope the wisdom in these books will contribute meaningfully to your compassionate leadership journey.
Throughout history, the action of courageous individuals has led humanity through challenging moments into a period of greater flourishing. How do compassionate leaders respond in the face of challenge without disengaging, burning out or becoming overwhelmed? We all want to play our part, as far as we can. Here are some ways to help move into action and make a positive contribution.
As the pace of positive change around the world accelerates, so does the level of challenge humanity is facing. It is tempting to want to put one’s head in the sand and hope that this will all go away. Or maybe the temptation is to become filled with rage and lash out with anger and hostility. Neither extreme takes us anywhere particularly helpful. What can we skillfully choose to make a constructive difference?
Questions about bringing compassion to difficult situations are among the most common queries we receive at the Center for Compassionate Leadership. Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way, by Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter, encourages leaders to take a bigger picture perspective when “hard things” arise.
After a year of unprecedented challenges and stress, pausing to consider how to construct the next phase of life may feel more burdensome than liberating. As you explore how you intend life to feel and be, remember to bring a deeper quality of attention to each moment you experience. Resolve to be in alignment with your deepest values, and each choice point will emerge with more ease and clarity.
