Action Plan

1. “When was the last time you truly listened to someone without planning your response? How did that make you feel, and what did you learn?”

2. “Can you recall a recent situation where someone was struggling? What might you have done to offer support or understanding?”

3. “How do you typically respond to your own mistakes or challenges? Do you treat yourself with the same kindness you would show a team member?”

4. “Who on your team could benefit from a small act of kindness today, and what could you do to help?”

5. “How does practicing compassion align with your values and goals as a leader?”

RESOURCES

Books

• The Compassionate Leader: How to Create a Compassionate Workplace by Janice Marturano

• Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way by Rasmus Hougaard and Jacqueline Carter

• Dare to Lead by Brené Brown (focus on vulnerability and empathy in leadership)

Articles

• “The Importance of Compassion in Leadership” by Harvard Business Review

• “Why Compassion is a Better Managerial Tactic Than Toughness” by Forbes

• “How Compassionate Leadership Improves Workplace Wellness” from Mindful.org

Podcasts

• The Compassionate Leadership Interview podcast

• The Mindful Leader by Mindful.org, exploring compassion and mindfulness in leadership

Videos

• “Why Compassion in Business Makes Sense” (Ted Talk by Jacqueline Novogratz)

• “The Power of Vulnerability” (Ted Talk by Brené Brown)

Tools & Practices

• Daily mindfulness and compassion meditation practices through apps like Calm or Headspace.

• Empathy mapping tools to understand and address team members’ needs and feelings.