Work has always been serious. On top of this, COVID-19 has disrupted most of our work norms, and we are finally facing a global reckoning after centuries of systemic racism. Is it okay to have fun, too? YES! Playfulness, fun, spontaneity, and silliness are all attributes that contribute to organizational success, and will help us to thrive in the face of the very serious challenges of the world.

Welcome to the Compassion 2.0 Podcast preview post! In the podcast’s premiere episode, host Lori Schwanbeck interviews grass-roots organizer and contemplative teacher Shelly Tygielski. Be inspired by Shelly’s Pandemic of Love project and learn how to get past the overwhelm of taking action.

Due to the tragic murder of George Floyd, the reality of racism is being acknowledged to a degree not previously seen. Decisive actions, not words, are what will be required to alter the four-hundred-year history of racism in the United States. These five articles can support compassionate leaders as they seek to confront and transform the state of race in our world.

There is no DNA test for race. Race as represented today has evolved socially and culturally over the last four hundred years, concurrent with the expansion of colonialism, power inequities, and the taking of land by force. There is only one race – the human race.

Leading with compassion is a powerful means to dismantle the structure of systemic racism. Gain a greater awareness of the experiences of others, and you are on the path to becoming a stronger compassionate leader. What else are you learning? What else are you doing? How else do you plan to contribute to the elimination of systemic racism?

How will your organization emerge from the current crisis? Resilient organizations emerge from difficult circumstances stronger than before the challenging times. These three evidence-based practices will equip you to lead your organization so that it emerges from this crisis stronger than ever.

Now that much of the world is moving toward reopening after the COVID lockdown, it’s time to explore the many ways our lives and organizations will change in the post-pandemic society. In our recent survey, “Compassionate Leadership Amid the Chaos,” we asked participants “What do you believe could come out of this crisis?”

In White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism, Robin DiAngelo carefully examines the roots of the modern American racial structure and the reasons it is so difficult to acknowledge the pervasiveness of racial bias. She offers a path forward for white people to dismantle the grossly inequitable structure within which we all live.

When it comes to layoffs, the research is clear: avoid them when you can. Layoffs can have a highly detrimental impact by eroding trust, undermining shared values, and increasing negative behaviors. Yet there are times, like the current crisis, when layoffs may be an unavoidable reality for your organization. How can you lead compassionately while carrying out such a painful agenda?

Laura Berland and Evan Harrel of the Center for Compassionate Leadership recently sat down with Chris Whitehead for his podcast, The Compassionate Leader Interview. Listen to the podcast here and read a summary of the interview. (Note: Podcast was recorded prior to COVID-19 galvanizing everyone’s focus, and therefore does not touch on the global pandemic.)