Servant. Compassionate. Contemplative. These descriptors represent a leader who co-creates
and co-innovates within a compassion-centric organization. This person is a fully functioning,
integrated member of the team; not someone with a laissez-faire approach who
supervises from afar. Fully aware of
group dynamics, they develop strong relationships and encourages the same of
others.
The leader lives
within four core relationships — with the self, the sacred, others, and all of
creation. (Note: although sacred might
be represented by a deity, this is not the intent of this article. The sacred is manifest in those things we
hold in deep reverence or what we find extraordinary in our lives.)
Relationship with
self — Within this relationship, the leader truly knows who s/he is. Through reflection and introspection, they
seek to understand how judgments and beliefs inform words and actions. This information forms the foundation of
authentic interactions. All other core relationships
flow from the authenticity or illusion created through the relationship with
self.
Relationship with
sacred — When a leader knows who they
are at their center, naming what is held in great reverence is easier. In fact, with growing awareness, they are
able to name the ongoing evolution of the sacred in their life. The leader might also question how the sacred
is present in the people with whom they collaborate and in the culture of the
organization.
Relationship with
others — Knowing the self and
identifying the sacred creates the foundations of strong relationships with
others. Awareness of the first two
relationships provides the tools to navigate through the uncharted waters of connecting
with coworkers. The leader uses
awareness to identify potential reactionary triggers and choose to respond with
compassion. This way of responding
provides a subtle model for coworkers.
Relationship with
creation — Encompassing both the natural
world and human creation, a leader acts with stewardship when in relationship
with creation. They use resources consciously
and appropriately when responding to the sacred inherent in the work
environment. In this relationship, the
leader may co-create in ways that lessen an organization’s impact on the earth
and co-innovate in ways that repair the world.
All have the
potential to be a compassionate, contemplative, servant leader. Each time we strengthen these core
relationships, we are leading. When
operating from these four relationships, we create and sustain safe work
environment is created in which all workers are encouraged to act from their
authentic selves. All are invited to be
leaders. The culture of the organization
strengthens within a mindful, compassionate framework.
Leading by
Example,
Vanessa
Vanessa F. Hurst is a Community Builder who
consults with organizations to strengthen stakeholder relationships and improve
organizational culture. Her program
“Listen with Intent, Respond with Compassion” creates a rich, dynamic space
where trust increases and understanding occurs.
Through this experiential training, participants discover what prevents
them from listening objectively and with an open mind.
§ www.intentandaction.com § blog:
vanessahurst.blogspot.com §
What kind of leader are you? Compassionate? Contemplative? Servant?
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