The Power of Compassion in Your Workplace

Compassion simply — but profoundly — means to feel and show genuine concern for someone. Yes, even to yourself.

To coin a phrase, “Compassion is just love with its work boots on.”

If you are among the millions and millions of people who watch Ellen Degeneres, you already know someone who demonstrates compassion everyday on her show.

At the end of every show, Ellen says, “Be kind to one another.” This statement alone is her asking the world to be nicer, more generous and a little more compassionate to one another; to just love one another as human beings.

And let’s not forget this is her job! A kick-ass one, at that! She’s a great leader and a great influencer in this world. She recognizes the ripple effect being having compassion for another has. One simple act of kindness can change someone’s life. One supportive conversation. One chance to be seen or heard. One hug. One “I love you.”

So, what does compassion in the workplace look like?

Well, we could ask Jeff Weiner, the CEO of LinkedIn. In a recent inspiring interview with Oprah on Super Soul Sunday, he said compassion is a must in his corporate culture and is in large part why LinkedIn is so successful.

Even though Jeff is a big time executive for a billion dollar company, I felt extremely inspired and found him to be very caring and down-to-earth.

Check out the full episode of Jeff and Oprah’s conversation.

Bottom line, leaders like Ellen and Jeff care about people. And, I know you do too!

Now I know bringing more compassion to the workplace might sound a little scary to some of us. You might be thinking emotions will suddenly be flowing like waterfalls, people will be in cuddle-puddles on lunch breaks, and people’s personal lives will become headline news. Don’t worry, it’s not nearly that dramatic!

“Remember that everyone you meet is afraid of something, loves something, and has lost something.” — Proverb

Having more compassion and really coming from a place of kindness is easier than you think. It can be as simple as:

• sending flowers to a mourning co-worker
• buying someone a coffee
• lending a hand
• arranging team celebrations around collaborative projects
• offering a hug
• showing support for a problem
• offering praise
• understanding vs. judging
• showing appreciation
• listening
• smiling

Overall, just genuinely caring.

My wife’s former company was a pillar of compassion. About two years ago, I got really ill and I needed to be in the hospital for a week. Lisa’s boss immediately offered her the time off needed to care for me and not worry about her work. Not only that, they paid her out of pocket, so she wouldn’t have to worry about her finances on top of worrying about my health. And, a flower arrangement arrived at the house from her entire team. The support and love was comforting and appreciated. Both Lisa and I felt extremely valued and cared for.

Being more compassionate at work will help you and your colleagues:

• be more supportive and productive
• be happier and more positive
• create deeper, more meaningful connections
• be more open to sharing and communicating
• be more understanding and accepting of others and their experiences
• show more empathy
• have healthier relationships outside of work
• be more loving to yourself

You are already putting your mind, body and soul in to your job. Why not put your heart in to it too?

Kindness starts with you.

Be nice. Be generous. Be compassionate.

Be human!

“Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else’s skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.” — Frederick Buechner

Remember, as you live, lead and breathe with more compassion, notice the difference you are making. Watch people around you grow.

See the change you always wanted to be in this world. [Click to Tweet!]

How will you create more compassion in your workplace? What will you do right now to start making a bigger difference for you and your team?

I bet you know already. After all, you clicked on an article about compassion! It’s in you to be kind.

How has someone else’s support, generosity or acts of kindness impacted your day or your life?

Please share the love in the comments below.