Compassion calls people to rise to their potential.
Leniency insults competence. Coddling promotes weakness.
4 Indications of Overcompassionate Leadership
- Honesty feels harsh.
- Constructive feedback seems unkind.
- Standards feel like insults.
- Talent is squandered.
Care without honesty is deception. Choose responses that promote long-term good.
Short-term sympathy shields people from discomfort. Long-term compassion walks beside them.
The Compassion Paradox
- Notice pain without rushing to remove it.
- Expect people to sharpen their potential.
- Avoid creating dependency.
- Work to enable.
#1. Practice Truth Telling
Honesty doesn’t hide behind kindness.
- Act promptly.
- Name issues even when it’s discomforting.
- Speak clearly with gentleness.
Silence insults. Honesty respects.
#2. Prioritize Growth
- Resist the urge to fix.
- Allow productive struggle.
- Coach; don’t carry.
Dignity requires responsibility.
#3. Maintain Standards
- Appreciate circumstances. Don’t surrender expectations.
- Accountability isn’t punishment.
- Respect follow-through.
- Maintain standards for yourself.
- Choose stewardship over comfort.
High standards challenge people. Overprotection hobbles.
Compassion Paradox: Don’t remove challenge. Provide support.
What does the compassion paradox look like from your point of view?
