"Compassion is not weakness, and concern for the unfortunate is not socialism." (Hubert H Humphrey) Compassion is a strange word to use in the framework of business and management, but it shouldn't be. Compassion is a typical concept in fields where compassion is second-nature; for example in health-care and teaching. For those who maybe find the concept of 'Compassion' too emotive or maudlin, the word 'spirituality' is a useful substitute.
Spirituality is a perception in its own right, and it also represents ideas fundamental to Compassion as applied to business and organisations, i.e., the quality of human existence, personal ethics and beliefs, our associations with others, our bond to the natural world, and beyond. Some people see Compassion and spirituality as detached things; others see Compassion and spirituality as matching. Either view is fine.
In business and organisations 'Compassion' and/or 'spirituality' mean genuine compassion for humankind, with all that this implies. We are not talking about romance or sex. Nor are we referring to god or religion, because while Compassion and spirituality have to a degree been adopted by various religious organisations and beliefs, here Compassion and spirituality do not imply or require a religious constituent or affiliation at all. Far from it. Anyone can show compassion to others. And everyone is in his or her own way spiritual. Given that Compassion (or spirituality, whatever your predilection) particularly encompasses compassion and consideration for other people, it follows that spoiling the world somewhere, or spoiling the world for future generations, is not acceptable and is not a compassionate thing to do.
Compassion in business and work means making decisions and conducting oneself in a way that cares for people and the world we live in. Compassion in business. A novel concept. Most of us are probably used to a traditional culture at work where 'proper' reserved behavior is expected. People keep their distance and approach work and relationships with a sense of formality. What if that paradigm were to shift towards a more compassionate and spiritual model? In the past, traditionally male behaviours such as tough-minded decision-making and competitive aggression were the standard. At job interviews and when assessing performance and potential, leaders would assess whether the employee had 'fire in his belly' or was a fist-pounding-on-the-table kind of guy or girl. There was little tolerance of sensitivity, never mind tears. Now however a sea-change is occurring that recognises the value in management and leadership of feminine traits such as warmth, affection, nurturing and intuition. Some would identify this move as introducing Compassion into the workplace.
In fact, Compassion flows naturally when you create a space for it. People are naturally inclined to good. It's the business world that makes us resistant and sceptical. If you are open and accepting, people can feel comfortable around you. People feel better when they are allowed and encouraged to connect on a deeper level with others, especially with managers and superiors. Fear and anxiety is no help in organizations. Connecting openly dispels anxiety and makes for harmonious relationships. An increased sense of humanity and trust positively impacts the bottom line, because people - and entire organizations - work far better when people know, trust and respect their leaders rather than fear them.
Spirituality is a perception in its own right, and it also represents ideas fundamental to Compassion as applied to business and organisations, i.e., the quality of human existence, personal ethics and beliefs, our associations with others, our bond to the natural world, and beyond. Some people see Compassion and spirituality as detached things; others see Compassion and spirituality as matching. Either view is fine.
In business and organisations 'Compassion' and/or 'spirituality' mean genuine compassion for humankind, with all that this implies. We are not talking about romance or sex. Nor are we referring to god or religion, because while Compassion and spirituality have to a degree been adopted by various religious organisations and beliefs, here Compassion and spirituality do not imply or require a religious constituent or affiliation at all. Far from it. Anyone can show compassion to others. And everyone is in his or her own way spiritual. Given that Compassion (or spirituality, whatever your predilection) particularly encompasses compassion and consideration for other people, it follows that spoiling the world somewhere, or spoiling the world for future generations, is not acceptable and is not a compassionate thing to do.
Compassion in business and work means making decisions and conducting oneself in a way that cares for people and the world we live in. Compassion in business. A novel concept. Most of us are probably used to a traditional culture at work where 'proper' reserved behavior is expected. People keep their distance and approach work and relationships with a sense of formality. What if that paradigm were to shift towards a more compassionate and spiritual model? In the past, traditionally male behaviours such as tough-minded decision-making and competitive aggression were the standard. At job interviews and when assessing performance and potential, leaders would assess whether the employee had 'fire in his belly' or was a fist-pounding-on-the-table kind of guy or girl. There was little tolerance of sensitivity, never mind tears. Now however a sea-change is occurring that recognises the value in management and leadership of feminine traits such as warmth, affection, nurturing and intuition. Some would identify this move as introducing Compassion into the workplace.
In fact, Compassion flows naturally when you create a space for it. People are naturally inclined to good. It's the business world that makes us resistant and sceptical. If you are open and accepting, people can feel comfortable around you. People feel better when they are allowed and encouraged to connect on a deeper level with others, especially with managers and superiors. Fear and anxiety is no help in organizations. Connecting openly dispels anxiety and makes for harmonious relationships. An increased sense of humanity and trust positively impacts the bottom line, because people - and entire organizations - work far better when people know, trust and respect their leaders rather than fear them.
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