#WW: 😪Your empathy is not enough
Wholesome Wednesdays (WW): Bringing you curated positive content on Wednesdays to uplift your hump day.
HAPPY INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’s Day! Before we touch on today’s topic, we like to share this awesome event where inspiring ladies from the Buddhist Scene share their stories of nurturing🥺 Check it out here
We often talk about the need for more empathy at the workplace. It is necessary but not enough. We start with empathy as leaders but need to move further into compassion. A compassionate family & workplace can uplift one another through these tough times. We tap on Khandro Rinpoche’s wisdom in learning how to build our compassion
1. As a leader, stop saying “I feel for you”. Try this instead
2. How to develop compassion? A cup of tea is the first step
As a leader, stop saying “I feel for you”. Try this instead
What’s going on here
Havard Business Review article on “Connecting with Empathy and Leading with Compassion” shares how empathetic leadership is not enough. It covers the differences between empathy & compassion and why empathy hijack is a real issue.
Why we like it
The super actionable article is one that you can apply at work/home immediately. We are often stuck when someone tells us that they are going through a hard time. To say “I feel for you” may seem enough for us but inadequate to the suffering person.
Some tips we liked from the article:
- Take a mental and emotional step away
- Ask what they need
- Remember the power of non-action
- Coach the person so they can find their own solution
- Practice self-care
“Leaders are generally good at getting stuff done. But when it comes to people having challenges, it is important to remember that in many instances people do not need your solutions; they need your ear and your caring presence.”
Wise Steps
Don’t get empathetic hijacked! Take a step back to get a bigger perspective of the situation. That will give you energy and clarity on how to help the person (or figure out that non-action is best!)
Read it here
How to develop compassion? A cup of tea is the first step
What’s going on here
How do we develop compassion for people who ‘don’t deserve it’? How do we even start with ourselves? Khandro Rinpoche, the author of This Precious Life, shares that developing compassion for others starts by reflecting on the goodness we have already received from others.
Why we like it
Khandro Rinpoche shares the opposite of how we expect developing compassion to be. We expect compassion towards others to start with others. She challenges us to go inwards before we develop compassion for others.
This short 4 mins video is music to our ears as we live in a world that is constantly seeking outwards.
“That’s what makes compassion and the practice of compassion difficult. It’s because we think we are an individual, unattached and not in any way related or connected to others”
Wise Steps
The next time someone pours you tea/coffee/bubble tea, reflect on all the positive conditions and people that led you to enjoy that drink.
Enjoy the video!