Compassionately speaking…
Compassion
Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
This is one of the principles that I try and live by. It’s not easy, but it encourages us to treat others with the same respect, consideration and kindness that we would like to receive. This is the foundational tenet for effective leadership and teams as from this we can foster healthy, positive relationships.
The feeling that drives this is compassion, which I believe is a fundamental aspect of effective communication, shaping the way we connect with others and fostering deeper understanding. When we communicate with compassion, we’re not just exchanging words; we listen with empathy, acknowledge emotions, and respond with kindness. This approach helps build trust, strengthens relationships, and creates a positive and supportive culture.
One of the key benefits of compassionate communication is that it makes us feel heard and valued. Whether it’s in personal or professional interactions, we appreciate it when our feelings and perspectives are acknowledged. Let's be real—don't we all love feeling valued and heard? When someone truly listens to us, it's like a warm hug for our souls! Compassionate communication creates that safe space where people feel comfortable being honest and open. Misunderstandings shrink, conflicts melt away, and suddenly everyone's sharing ideas freely and working collaboratively.
In the workplace, compassionate communication enhances teamwork and productivity. In leadership it creates a culture where employees feel respected and supported, which leads to higher engagement, motivation, and ultimately in greater employee retention. And when there are miscommunications and disagreements, compassion can help de- escalate tense situations, by us reacting with understanding and patience. This is because it encourages us to be curious about what is going on with the other person, to actively listen to what they have to say, and to think before we respond. In this space we are also more likely to problem-solve and find resolution, rather than have the situation deteriorate.
Some cynics may dismiss this as too touchy-feely and irrational, but scientists have found that showing compassion can actually have a good effect, not only on our team building, but also on our health. When we communicate compassionately, our heart rate slows and we produce the “bonding hormone”, oxytocin; the areas of our brain that are linked to empathy, caregiving and feelings of pleasure light up, which has the effect of making us want to approach and care for others.
This hormone therefore promotes a cycle of compassion in our communication as it’s about recognising the humanity in others. By approaching conversations with empathy, kindness, and respect, we can create meaningful interactions that uplift and inspire. It doesn’t mean that we always have to agree, but it does mean that we can disagree well. In a world that feels so divided, compassionate communication serves as a bridge that brings people together, fostering understanding and unity.
Isn’t that something we need to foster right now?
Whilst you practice your compassionate communication style, try this exercise-
