09/11/2024

The Case for Self-compassion in Leadership

Lead more effectively by embracing self-compassion

In a world that often equates leadership with relentless drive and perfectionism, it’s time for a new approach. As someone who has spent over 15 years in leadership development, I have witnessed the immense pressure that leaders place on themselves to be perfect, never to falter and always to push forward. But what if the key to becoming a truly effective leader isn't about being more demanding on yourself or striving for an unattainable ideal? What if it's about embracing your humanity and leading with self-compassion?

The myth of perfection

As a young professional, I believed that to be successful, I had to be perfect. This mindset drove me to achieve, but it also led to burnout, frustration and a deep sense of inadequacy. I've seen the same pattern play out with countless leaders I've coached over the years. They push themselves to the brink, believing that anything less than perfection is failure. But this mindset is not only unsustainable, it is counterproductive.

Research by Kristin Neff, Ph.D., an educational psychology associate professor and pioneer in the field of self-compassion, has shown that being kind to ourselves in the face of failure actually leads to greater resilience and effectiveness. Leaders who practice self-compassion are more likely to learn from their mistakes, maintain motivation and build stronger, more cohesive teams. Self-compassion is not about lowering standards or accepting mediocrity; it is about recognizing our shared humanity and understanding that perfection is neither possible nor necessary.

Please select this link to read the complete article from SmartBrief.