The crises the world is facing – climate change, substantial healthcare and income inequities, ongoing regional conflict and war – are substantial, and call for decisive responses. When we explore compassion, our own intentions, and our power to lead real systems change, we see that compassion offers the power and strength that are necessary to confront the biggest challenges in the world today.
Speaking up can be a scary act. Examples abound of leaders who shoot messengers bringing opinions that differ from what they want to hear. Creating cultures that celebrate those willing to speak up and become vulnerable starts with leaders. If you want others to take risks for you, show your own vulnerability and trust first. The benefits will show up in greater safety, connection and belonging.
The relationship between compassion and perceived time pressure has been known for a long time. From the well-known study, “From Jerusalem to Jericho” nearly fifty years ago, to our research with participants in our training cohorts, the feeling that there is not enough time impairs one’s ability to act compassionately. Ironically, the solution doesn’t come from working faster, but in slowing down.
