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Compassionate Leaders Go First
July 8, 2021
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First, From the Heart
Many of us still remember the iconic Apple ad that aired at the 1984 Superbowl. For those who need a refresher or were not yet born, the brilliant commercial riffed on George Orwell’s dystopian novel “1984.” We watch the pathetic display of hundreds of men donned in the same grey garb, mindlessly following the disembodied head of their leader on a massive screen. A strong young woman wielding a sledgehammer bursts full speed into the auditorium and hurls the sledgehammer at the screen. The explosive blast disrupts everything and everyone in its wake.
Cut to this moment. Get curious about your own situation in leadership and/or in life. Where are you playing it safe or avoiding discomfort? Where do you lack trust? What emerges when you inquire inside yourself about what keeps you from really opening up? We must honestly explore what holds us back and keeps us from authentically showing up in life. Only the brave dive in and do the uncomfortable but ultimately invaluable work. If you are reading this, you are here to show the way.
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Best of the Blog
Compassionate Leaders Go First
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 result in greater safety, connection and belonging. Read more.
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Recommended Reads
What Bosses Gain by Being Vulnerable
by Emma Seppälä
in Harvard Business Review, 12/11/14
Many fear being vulnerable for fear of being weak. These fears don't represent the actual dynamic for leaders willing to open up. Authenticity and connection yield significant benefits for leaders courageous enough to let themselves be truly seen. Read the research.
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Practice Matters
Welcoming My Vulnerability
We all wear robes of protection – identities and behaviors that keep us safe, secure, and connected to what we already know. Maybe your robe keeps you isolated or stuck with trauma. Perhaps your robe shields you from imposter syndrome. Some of our robes are more like armor, impervious to the shift shaping of our outer environment. But the same robes of protection create separation, suffering, and limit our opportunities to reach our full potential.
We can only relate to each other when we fully relate to ourself. Deep connection requires that we let go of the robes, and not only those that can be seen by others. Shedding the inner layers are the hardest of all.
Be daring and courageous as you acknowledge and name your limiting beliefs. Yes, you will likely be uncomfortable when you rip through the fabric and burst out without the robes. Bravely welcome change as you venture into the unknown territory of vulnerability and openness. All while practicing patience and kindness for yourself. Only then can we bask in the rich field of connection with our own heart and the hearts of others.
When can we practice? Always!
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Upcoming Events
Global Compassion Community Gathering
Free Online Event July 15
We invite you to celebrate our connection as a global community of compassionate friends and allies. We gather to align, inspire, and ignite our collective hearts and minds to birth a more compassionate world.
Our guest presenter and practice leader is Scott Shute, Head of Mindfulness and Compassion at LinkedIn and author of the wonderful new book, “The Full Body Yes.” The event is co-hosted by Laura Berland, our Founder of the nonprofit Center for Compassionate Leadership, and Monica Worline, co-author of "Awakening Compassion at Work," Stanford University researcher with the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education. Please register for the free event to reserve your spot. Find out more and register now.
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