A global pandemic, lockdowns, higher unemployment rate, mental health issues – these are just a few of the problems that our world faces today. We, as humanity, have come across this widespread impact of the Covid-19 pandemic that has turned over reality for many and tested the spirit for most.

Perhaps, we will never be able to get back to the same normal as we used to, but we definitely can bring back the light that lifts us — and those around us — up. How? Well, we can achieve that through sincere compassion.

Being compassionate is about putting yourself in others’ shoes, listening actively, and assisting people in finding their way out of an undesired situation.

For leaders, leading with compassion not only promotes positivity and improved relationships as people feel heard and understood, but also sets an example for others to look beyond just themselves and express more care and kindness all around them. What a wonderful world would it be if more people practised compassion daily!

Let’s implement more of the following:

• Before applying our judgment, which is usually quick and almost automated, we pause and reflect, and try to see the other person’s viewpoint – where does it really come from, and how does it serve them? There are reasons why people think, speak and act the way they do, but do we pay attention to really understand? This is where compassion fits in perfectly.
• Before judging and being tough on ourselves, let’s have grace and compassion for the old version of ourselves that did the best they could with what they knew at the time. Now, we know better, and it’s best to forgive ourselves, thank the lesson that made us wiser, and move on in peace. Compassion toward self is just as important as toward other people!

Often, we can be our own harshest critics. 

While awareness opens doors to improvements, let’s adopt a more compassionate approach not only in our social circle and organization we work at, but in our life in general… to better support ourselves, and also those around us!