Leadership is not a one size fits all. It is very much about context. It is also quite personal; personal to the leader and the person, or people with whom they have a relationship. These are challenging times. Leaders must be able to show sensitivity, understanding and kindness to people’s differing personal circumstances and needs, balancing this with the need to get the job done.
Whilst it is hard to know when the Coronavirus pandemic will finish, or what happens next, it is not hard to predict that many people will emerge emotionally battered and many will have taken a financial hit. Leadership with compassion and empathy will be needed for some time to come.
Make compassion and empathy reference points for decisions, and qualities that drive behaviour.
Although it has been clear for a while that our changing world, with its emphasis on people’s skills and knowledge, needed a more people-focused leadership, compassion and empathy have rarely figured high in the selection process or the allocation of bonuses. Re-evaluating these processes should be high on the agenda.
Leaders must also look after themselves in these times. Spending time on your own learning and development has long been an attribute of good leadership. Putting compassion and empathy into your schedule is key to your well-being, as well as to helping become the leader needed for today and tomorrow.
At Scala, we have a range of tools and approaches to help leaders develop compassion and empathy. These include 360-degree feedback, Pinsight virtual development centres, and our coaching and mentoring programmes.
For more information, contact me at janice@thescalagroup.co.uk
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Janice Caplan
© Janice Caplan 2020