As a business leader, I have come to realize that a company’s culture is crucial to its success. A culture that lacks trust and empathy can hinder decision-making and overall performance. My journey to understanding the importance of compassion began with “The Art of Happiness” by the Dalai Lama.
Empathy vs. Compassion
The Dalai Lama teaches that empathy is feeling what others feel, while compassion is putting yourself in others’ shoes to alleviate their suffering. He illustrates this difference with a powerful example: imagine someone being crushed by a boulder. An empathetic response would be to feel the same suffocation, rendering you helpless. A compassionate response, on the other hand, would be to recognize the person’s pain and take action to remove the boulder and alleviate their suffering.
A Shift in Management Style
In my early days as an executive at Yahoo, I was intense and focused on results. However, I realized that my approach was unproductive and shut people down. I decided to change and manage with compassion, pausing to understand others’ perspectives and support their success.
Compassionate Leadership in Action
At LinkedIn, I experienced compassionate leadership firsthand. When I joined the company, Reid Hoffman, the founder, gave me clear authority and supported my transition. He even removed himself from the office to allow me to build relationships with the team. This thoughtful approach made all the difference in my success.
Benefits of Compassionate Leadership
A culture of compassion brings numerous benefits, including faster and better decision-making. When team members trust each other, they’re more likely to collaborate and focus on the task at hand. At LinkedIn, we’ve built a culture that values understanding and empathy, allowing us to make important decisions quickly.
Creating a Competitive Advantage
By developing a culture with a compassionate ethos, companies can create a competitive advantage. This approach enables teams to work efficiently, make informed decisions, and drive success.
Lessons Learned
As business leaders, we must consider the impact of our actions on others. With technological advancements accelerating, it’s crucial to think about the unintended consequences and put ourselves in others’ shoes. By doing so, we can build a more compassionate and successful organization.
The Future of Business
One of the defining issues of our time is socio-economic stratification. As new technologies potentially displace millions of people from their jobs, it’s essential to prioritize compassion and consider the impact on all stakeholders. By doing so, we can build a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
In conclusion, compassionate leadership is not just a better way to build a team; it’s a better way to build a company. By prioritizing empathy, understanding, and action, we can create a culture that drives success and makes a positive impact on society.
