In this second article in our series on the compassionate leadership ecosystem, we explore organizations that are translating compassion from research into practice. These organizations cultivate both individual and systemic capacities that sustain compassion and embed it into leadership, culture, and institutions to create flourishing workforces and thriving organizations.

Across the globe, a growing body of research is deepening our understanding of compassion and its role in human and organizational flourishing. In this first article in a three-part series, we highlight the academic institutions building the scientific foundation for compassionate leadership, demonstrating that compassion is measurable, trainable, actionable, and of benefit to all.

Compassion calls us forward into action. After noticing suffering, interpreting generously, and cultivating empathy, the final step is allowing care to take form in wise, courageous response. Compassionate action may not always fix what hurts, but it brings discernment and intention to what is possible. When we do this, we begin to reshape the systems around us. (This is the fourth in our four-part series on compassion.)

To win support for compassionate leadership, start with what matters to leaders: results. Pair research on performance, retention, and innovation with real stories and your own example. Over time, consistent, authentic compassion proves that caring for people and driving results go hand in hand.

We’re living through what some describe as a polycrisis: overlapping, compounding challenges of climate change, social inequality, political instability, global conflict, and rapid technological disruption. We’re stretched thin and often unsupported at work. Stress has become normalized, showing up in organizational culture, morale, and performance. And now, added to the mix: anxiety about A.I.

Compassion has the power to help employees flourish and create stronger, more innovative organizations. The evidence is clear. Creating compassionate organizational environments leads to significant benefits for the organization: lower turnover, higher employee engagement and satisfaction, greater creativity and innovation, and higher-quality connections with deeper trust. But, there is one big catch…

Given that mental health challenges don’t show up as clearly as the death in a co-worker’s family or a broken arm, how do we create compassionate organizations of mental health awareness and support? Starting with human relationships allows leaders to address the human needs of their team members while advancing organizational goals.

Every time you meet another person, you have an opportunity right from the start to influence the flow of your relationship. A positive greeting can quickly jumpstart an environment of flourishing. These three principles will help you establish as positive a relationship as possible from the first hello, wave, or elbow bump.