How do you respond to problems with staff as a leader? Do you get frustrated or do you choose compassion and effectively coach others?

Responding with frustration can erode loyalty and performance. Responding with compassion is an emotional response of sympathy with a desire to help. It not only involves your ability to understand the emotional state of another person, but also recognises that you want to help them.

Research at Case Western Reserve University has found that great leaders “approach the task of leadership and coaching, inspiring others to achieve their best than instructing them to do so”, often coaching or leading others with compassion.

It has also been shown that leaders who display warmth and create positive relationships at work have a greater impact on employee loyalty. "In particular, a study by Jonathan Haidt of New York University shows that the more employees look up to their leaders and are moved by their compassion or kindness (a state he terms elevation), the more loyal they become to him or her.” Dr Seppala, Stanford University.

Becoming a Compassionate Leader

Consider using a coaching style of leadership to initiate and guide your conversations at work . Coaching with compassion at work can further staff’s development and lead to more positive outcomes.

Here are some actions you can take:

• Help others to articulate a clear personal vision that can guide future behaviour and performance
• Support others to identfify their strengths before considering weaknesses
• Develop your self compassion by: identifying who you disapprove of and consider what leadership or compassionate actions you could take; ask yourself “how compassionate am I?”
• Develop your emotional intelligence by practicing mindfulness meditation. It helps you to focus on what is important to you and to have a deeper understanding of others around you. It has the potential to inspire your passion, increase your compassion and reduce your stress response.
  

Learn more about compassionate coaching: https://www.ideasforleaders.com/ideas/accentuate-the-positive-–-the-art-of-coaching-with-compassion

Learn more about building your compassion through mindfulness meditation: http://www.theatlantic.com/hea... you want others to be happy, practice compassion.

If you want to be happy, practice compassion.”

The Dalai Lama