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Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way
Leadership is hard. But how do you balance compassion for your people with effectiveness in getting the job done?
A global pandemic, Depression-level unemployment, civil and political unrest. From New York to Barcelona to Hong Kong, it feels as if the world as we know it is faltering. Economies are unwinding; jobs are disappearing. Through it all, our spirit is being tested. Now more than ever, it's imperative for leaders to demonstrate compassion.
Compassion is the quality of having positive intentions and real concern for others. Compassion in leadership creates stronger connections between people. It improves collaboration, raises levels of trust, and enhances loyalty. In addition, studies find that compassionate leaders are perceived as stronger and more competent.
But, as founder and Managing Director of Potential Project Rasmus Hougaard and his longtime coauthor Jacqueline Carter show in this powerful, practical book, most leaders and experts overlook a key aspect of compassionate leadership: compassion on its own is not enough. You must always balance caring for your people with leadership wisdom: effectiveness in getting things done. These two elements—wisdom and compassion—are forever in tension with each other, and every leader has experienced times when they erred too much on one side or the other, with costly consequences.
Being an effective leader often requires giving tough feedback, making hard decisions that disappoint people, and, in some cases, laying people off. Showing compassion in leadership can’t come at the expense of wisdom and effectiveness. You need both, and this book shows you how to strike the right balance.
With rich stories and examples based on data from fifteen thousand leaders in more than five thousand companies spanning nearly one hundred countries, as well as practical tools, assessments, and advice for leaders and managers at any level, Compassionate Leadership is your indispensable guide to doing the hard work of leadership in a human way.
A global pandemic, Depression-level unemployment, civil and political unrest. From New York to Barcelona to Hong Kong, it feels as if the world as we know it is faltering. Economies are unwinding; jobs are disappearing. Through it all, our spirit is being tested. Now more than ever, it's imperative for leaders to demonstrate compassion.
Compassion is the quality of having positive intentions and real concern for others. Compassion in leadership creates stronger connections between people. It improves collaboration, raises levels of trust, and enhances loyalty. In addition, studies find that compassionate leaders are perceived as stronger and more competent.
But, as founder and Managing Director of Potential Project Rasmus Hougaard and his longtime coauthor Jacqueline Carter show in this powerful, practical book, most leaders and experts overlook a key aspect of compassionate leadership: compassion on its own is not enough. You must always balance caring for your people with leadership wisdom: effectiveness in getting things done. These two elements—wisdom and compassion—are forever in tension with each other, and every leader has experienced times when they erred too much on one side or the other, with costly consequences.
Being an effective leader often requires giving tough feedback, making hard decisions that disappoint people, and, in some cases, laying people off. Showing compassion in leadership can’t come at the expense of wisdom and effectiveness. You need both, and this book shows you how to strike the right balance.
With rich stories and examples based on data from fifteen thousand leaders in more than five thousand companies spanning nearly one hundred countries, as well as practical tools, assessments, and advice for leaders and managers at any level, Compassionate Leadership is your indispensable guide to doing the hard work of leadership in a human way.
221 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2022
142 people are currently reading
2060 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 27, 2022
Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. Few of the main causes of burnout are lack of adequate social support and poor workplace culture. Team dynamics are key when it comes to overcoming workplace stress and this is where compassionate leaders step in. This book meant to create a more human way of work.
🔑 Some of the key discussions:
• Correlation between scale of wisdom and scale of compassion i.e keeping a balance between wisdom and compassion
• The wise compassion matrix; Q1: caring avoidance, Q2: Wise compassion, Q3: Ineffective indifference, & Q4: Uncaring execution.
[Note: we’re all humans with ups/down and good/bad days and we’ll find ourselves in each of the four quadrant at different times depending on circumstances. Personality and leadership style also counts. But practice and experience make it easier for us to function from Q2 wise compassion matrix]
• overcoming confusion between compassion and empathy
• Mindfulness & living in the moment
• Vanquishing comfort-seeking orientation
• Psychological safety
• Exercising transparency and being upfront
In my humble opinion, (after few copies of) HBR Press books, I’ve notice that these books are very well structured, practical, and filled with examples that will stick in your mind. Delivers what it meant to cover. The intro explained the whole concept but the chapters explores the ideas in greater depth so it felt a little repetitive reaching the end. Realistically, a lot of dedication and commitment needed to realise or reach the level of compassionate leadership and, in real life esp workplace, things move very quickly therefore the practicality may be challenged. A highly recommended read on leadership.
“You can only act truly compassionate if you also have the wisdom of understanding the situation clearly … without wisdom, good intentions can be the direct path to unskillful actions, chaos, and unnecessary human suffering for the very people you try to help”
[Review courtesy of Times Distribution #TimesReads]
🔑 Some of the key discussions:
• Correlation between scale of wisdom and scale of compassion i.e keeping a balance between wisdom and compassion
• The wise compassion matrix; Q1: caring avoidance, Q2: Wise compassion, Q3: Ineffective indifference, & Q4: Uncaring execution.
[Note: we’re all humans with ups/down and good/bad days and we’ll find ourselves in each of the four quadrant at different times depending on circumstances. Personality and leadership style also counts. But practice and experience make it easier for us to function from Q2 wise compassion matrix]
• overcoming confusion between compassion and empathy
• Mindfulness & living in the moment
• Vanquishing comfort-seeking orientation
• Psychological safety
• Exercising transparency and being upfront
In my humble opinion, (after few copies of) HBR Press books, I’ve notice that these books are very well structured, practical, and filled with examples that will stick in your mind. Delivers what it meant to cover. The intro explained the whole concept but the chapters explores the ideas in greater depth so it felt a little repetitive reaching the end. Realistically, a lot of dedication and commitment needed to realise or reach the level of compassionate leadership and, in real life esp workplace, things move very quickly therefore the practicality may be challenged. A highly recommended read on leadership.
“You can only act truly compassionate if you also have the wisdom of understanding the situation clearly … without wisdom, good intentions can be the direct path to unskillful actions, chaos, and unnecessary human suffering for the very people you try to help”
[Review courtesy of Times Distribution #TimesReads]
February 2, 2022
DNF. I made it through eight chapters, but life is too short to read bad books.
This book would have been great if published in the 1970s; still semi-okay in the 1990s; but in 2022, this thing is some dead old shit.
It's irrelevant and chocked full of bullshit, including mindfulness, the absolute worst kind of self-helpy bullshit. It's toxic and it does harm.
The book also holds Netflix, which is transphobic, up as an admirable business. Hella nope.
Not that it matters, but it is also not applicable to the public or non-profit sectors.
Toxic. Preachy. Manipulative. Badly written.
Overall, pretty terrible. Maybe one of the worse I've read in last year or so. Would not recommend.
This book would have been great if published in the 1970s; still semi-okay in the 1990s; but in 2022, this thing is some dead old shit.
It's irrelevant and chocked full of bullshit, including mindfulness, the absolute worst kind of self-helpy bullshit. It's toxic and it does harm.
The book also holds Netflix, which is transphobic, up as an admirable business. Hella nope.
Not that it matters, but it is also not applicable to the public or non-profit sectors.
Toxic. Preachy. Manipulative. Badly written.
Overall, pretty terrible. Maybe one of the worse I've read in last year or so. Would not recommend.
April 14, 2022
It might be 5 starts as well. Very good research on the topic, practical advise for approaching hard things. The one star I took for 2 aspects: authors took too a long route to the essence (I thought I still would rate the book 2 starts at the second chapter), and the structure of the book seems not so well thought.
Other than that, I really enjoyed reading and got multiple a-ha moments.
Other than that, I really enjoyed reading and got multiple a-ha moments.
June 27, 2025
There’s nothing especially new, radical, or groundbreaking in this book. It basically says that good leadership comes down to being open, vulnerable, wise, and compassionate—and that the way to get there is by building strong, trusting human relationships. Simple, right? But somehow, a lot of leaders still struggle with it.
As a mid-level leader in a school, I’d like to think I already try to do many of the things the book suggests: being present, practicing mindfulness, not getting caught up in constant busyness, etc. Still, I’m sure I have my blind spots.
This would be a great book for a leadership team to read together. It gives a shared framework and some practical strategies that could help with improving morale or building a more positive culture. None of it is stuff experienced leaders haven’t heard before, but it’s still surprising how often people ignore or forget these basic ideas—and do the exact opposite.
It’s a quick, easy read with a few key takeaways that could lead to some really useful conversations.
As a mid-level leader in a school, I’d like to think I already try to do many of the things the book suggests: being present, practicing mindfulness, not getting caught up in constant busyness, etc. Still, I’m sure I have my blind spots.
This would be a great book for a leadership team to read together. It gives a shared framework and some practical strategies that could help with improving morale or building a more positive culture. None of it is stuff experienced leaders haven’t heard before, but it’s still surprising how often people ignore or forget these basic ideas—and do the exact opposite.
It’s a quick, easy read with a few key takeaways that could lead to some really useful conversations.
September 8, 2024
I received a free copy thanks to Goodreads.
There are two main reasons why I disliked this book and did not finish it.
First, it does not tell anything really new. Compassionate leaders have existed since the beginning of humanity, in religious, scientific, military, corporate, political or cultural environments for example. Tons of people have analyzed their behaviors and traits. Leaders without compassion are just bosses, administrative managers who will not get loyalty, respect or admiration for their low merit because they only get power over other people thanks to an organizational chart defined by somebody else.
Second, it is a shame to display so many quotes from CEO's who are auto-congratulating themselves. Where are these CEO's during the #GreatResignation movement ? If they are so good at shaping a bright future and ensuring the greater good for everybody, why do we have so many people quitting because they are overwhelmed by huge workloads, low salaries and lack of support from their bosses ? What actions are they taking to stop consumerism and solve the global warming issue ? Can they prove that their companies are rewarding employees as fairly as shareholders and c-suites guests ?
There are two main reasons why I disliked this book and did not finish it.
First, it does not tell anything really new. Compassionate leaders have existed since the beginning of humanity, in religious, scientific, military, corporate, political or cultural environments for example. Tons of people have analyzed their behaviors and traits. Leaders without compassion are just bosses, administrative managers who will not get loyalty, respect or admiration for their low merit because they only get power over other people thanks to an organizational chart defined by somebody else.
Second, it is a shame to display so many quotes from CEO's who are auto-congratulating themselves. Where are these CEO's during the #GreatResignation movement ? If they are so good at shaping a bright future and ensuring the greater good for everybody, why do we have so many people quitting because they are overwhelmed by huge workloads, low salaries and lack of support from their bosses ? What actions are they taking to stop consumerism and solve the global warming issue ? Can they prove that their companies are rewarding employees as fairly as shareholders and c-suites guests ?
January 17, 2023
I read this for work and found it easy enough to skim for the important concepts. I appreciate the use of charts to illustrate comparisons and conceptual relationships, such as egoism, empathy, and compassion. In fact, the most compelling lesson from the book was the distinction between empathy and compassion. One assumes empathy is always a positive, but in fact empathy can lead to bias if one relies on their innate empathy for those with whom they share commonalities over fostering compassion for all direct reports or mentees.
I also appreciate the focus and repetition on embracing the discomfort of difficult conversations. Overall, if one is a new supervisor or for whatever reasons has a tendency to shy away from difficult conversations in workplace contexts, there are valuable strategies offered here. However, the book could easily have been a 50 page essay. The prose contains considerable redundancy that reads as filler to achieve a specific word count for publication purposes.
I also appreciate the focus and repetition on embracing the discomfort of difficult conversations. Overall, if one is a new supervisor or for whatever reasons has a tendency to shy away from difficult conversations in workplace contexts, there are valuable strategies offered here. However, the book could easily have been a 50 page essay. The prose contains considerable redundancy that reads as filler to achieve a specific word count for publication purposes.
September 18, 2024
There were some really useful concepts in this book covering the dangers of relying too much on empathy as a leader, and the burn out it can bring, the benefits of exercising compassion, especially during difficult conversations and decisions, and the concept of caring candour. All based on extensive psychological research in a vast array of companies from across the world and varying in size from less than 100 employees to over 100,000 employees.
My reason for three stars, as opposed to four, is that I was not particularly keen on the style or writing. I can’t really give a good reason, it’s just a personal taste thing.
My reason for three stars, as opposed to four, is that I was not particularly keen on the style or writing. I can’t really give a good reason, it’s just a personal taste thing.
February 6, 2022
This book should be a required read for any individual seeking a leadership position. It is also just a really great read in general as it provides readers with the opportunity to self-realize that their ego and empathy are getting in the way of much of their actions, work and relationships (personal and professional).
Great book! Highly recommend.
Great book! Highly recommend.
April 21, 2023
Balance … much like any other aspect of life, even leadership demands balance from leaders!
How can you balance compassion for your people with effectiveness of getting the job done?
How do you do the hard things that come with the responsibility of leadership while remaining a good human being and bringing out the best in others?
To understand balance in leadership, and to get answers to the questions above, I highly recommend this book 👇🏼
Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way
by Rasmus Hougaard & Jacqueline Carter
It was the title that got me to buy this book, and read it almost as soon as I received it. It is rare for me to find a book on leadership that focuses on / highlights “human-ness” as a key leadership trait.
It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that authors’ research showed that:
“When leaders bring the right balance of compassion and wisdom to the job, they foster much higher levels of employee engagement, performance, loyalty, and well-being in their people.”
Authors have developed a simple 2x2 matrix, which they call The Wise Compassion Matrix … and The Wise Compassion Flywheel.
Both of these, the matrix & the flywheel really do help understand many concepts & ideas shared in the book … and the reader can find / plot themselves on both these tools.
(Always a good sign if a book can make its readers try & find themselves in the book / concepts discussed.)
Given how tough & challenging last few years have been, now more than ever it has become important for leaders to get in touch with their human-ness, to demonstrate compassion, and to put people first.
How can you balance compassion for your people with effectiveness of getting the job done?
How do you do the hard things that come with the responsibility of leadership while remaining a good human being and bringing out the best in others?
To understand balance in leadership, and to get answers to the questions above, I highly recommend this book 👇🏼
Compassionate Leadership: How to Do Hard Things in a Human Way
by Rasmus Hougaard & Jacqueline Carter
It was the title that got me to buy this book, and read it almost as soon as I received it. It is rare for me to find a book on leadership that focuses on / highlights “human-ness” as a key leadership trait.
It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that authors’ research showed that:
“When leaders bring the right balance of compassion and wisdom to the job, they foster much higher levels of employee engagement, performance, loyalty, and well-being in their people.”
Authors have developed a simple 2x2 matrix, which they call The Wise Compassion Matrix … and The Wise Compassion Flywheel.
Both of these, the matrix & the flywheel really do help understand many concepts & ideas shared in the book … and the reader can find / plot themselves on both these tools.
(Always a good sign if a book can make its readers try & find themselves in the book / concepts discussed.)
Given how tough & challenging last few years have been, now more than ever it has become important for leaders to get in touch with their human-ness, to demonstrate compassion, and to put people first.
July 1, 2023
Compassionate Leadership is based on feelings, so my review will be feelings based as that's the post read feels. (Make sense 😉😂🫣)
What I do want to say first is that I don't feel the title matches the contents, and that could be why (for me) it's a lower rating.
It's really about learning or recognizing and embracing being compassionate as a leader but then also cultivating it while preventing burnout through the lenses of empathy vs. compassion.
The book is based on a quadrant they called The Wise Compassion Matrix.
1. Caring Avoidance
-letting empathy or fear be a barrier to action. (Learn how to have the hard but effective convos)
2. Wise Compassion
-courageously doing hard things in the human way (end goal)
3. Ineffective Indifference
-lacking care and courage when doing hard things
(Managers that are always 'busy', they are always swamped and exhausted and value and put that before people. They say busyness is a choice and not as effective as you think it is)
4. Uncaring Execution
- putting results before people's well-being
(The numbers manager. They recommend being more open and getting to know your people. Really seeing and feeling who they are and where they are coming from and then from there getting their feedback)
What didn't surprise me is that men rated themselves higher in wisdom and compassion, and women rated themselves lower. But when it came to outside feedback, women had themselves lower than other people had rated them, and men overshot how wonderful they were.
What I do want to say first is that I don't feel the title matches the contents, and that could be why (for me) it's a lower rating.
It's really about learning or recognizing and embracing being compassionate as a leader but then also cultivating it while preventing burnout through the lenses of empathy vs. compassion.
The book is based on a quadrant they called The Wise Compassion Matrix.
1. Caring Avoidance
-letting empathy or fear be a barrier to action. (Learn how to have the hard but effective convos)
2. Wise Compassion
-courageously doing hard things in the human way (end goal)
3. Ineffective Indifference
-lacking care and courage when doing hard things
(Managers that are always 'busy', they are always swamped and exhausted and value and put that before people. They say busyness is a choice and not as effective as you think it is)
4. Uncaring Execution
- putting results before people's well-being
(The numbers manager. They recommend being more open and getting to know your people. Really seeing and feeling who they are and where they are coming from and then from there getting their feedback)
What didn't surprise me is that men rated themselves higher in wisdom and compassion, and women rated themselves lower. But when it came to outside feedback, women had themselves lower than other people had rated them, and men overshot how wonderful they were.
July 26, 2024
When I started at my current company, three books were suggested and this was one of them (Zone to Win and Nine Lies About Work were the others). I decided to take it super slow, because with these style books – it's easy to rush through, feel "enlightened," and move on.
I also obnoxiously took a ton of notes as I was reading to help ground the information further. Not all of it was brand new, some felt like common sense, and some put into words my past experiences. Almost every chapter I had a moment of "yep, been there, experienced that." Relatability is key in these types of books, so I appreciated that here.
Did have a small moment of PTSD toward the end. #IYKYK Maybe we didn't have to be quite so relatable in that moment. lol
I did love that this killed the notion of compliment sandwiches and focused more on intentionality. With this, if you're only providing positive feedback when bracing someone for a bad news, you're essentially training people to ignore the good because they're focused on the negative. I appreciated the focus on being direct and timely WHILE also speaking human to human.
Also, I appreciated that we should retrain our brains to call out the good when it happens, too! It's so easy to think "well, she's my best worker and gets stuff done, so I don't have to interact with her much." When in reality, it's just as important to check in with your solid people as anyone else. Don't leave people as an island.
I also obnoxiously took a ton of notes as I was reading to help ground the information further. Not all of it was brand new, some felt like common sense, and some put into words my past experiences. Almost every chapter I had a moment of "yep, been there, experienced that." Relatability is key in these types of books, so I appreciated that here.
Did have a small moment of PTSD toward the end. #IYKYK Maybe we didn't have to be quite so relatable in that moment. lol
I did love that this killed the notion of compliment sandwiches and focused more on intentionality. With this, if you're only providing positive feedback when bracing someone for a bad news, you're essentially training people to ignore the good because they're focused on the negative. I appreciated the focus on being direct and timely WHILE also speaking human to human.
Also, I appreciated that we should retrain our brains to call out the good when it happens, too! It's so easy to think "well, she's my best worker and gets stuff done, so I don't have to interact with her much." When in reality, it's just as important to check in with your solid people as anyone else. Don't leave people as an island.
January 24, 2022
As Stevo’s Novel Ideas, I am a long-time book reviewer, member of the media, an Influencer, and a content provider. I received this book as a free review copy from either the publisher, a publicist, or the author, and have not been compensated for reviewing or recommending it.
This book was Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 1/24, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet and Stevo's Novel Ideas. Leadership is hard. How can you balance compassion for your people with effectiveness in getting the job done?
Our brains are not wired for compassion. When we see a challenge, we seek the outcome that is most comfortable. Hougaard and Carter provide countless illustrations of leaders courageously blending compassion with hard decisions without sacrificing effectiveness.
One of my favorite illustrations is that of Pamela Maynard, CEO of Avanade, who, facing a global pandemic, was determined to help her employees feel safe and cared for. The decisions to remove chargeability requirements for consultants and lift PTO limits were risky, but she adopted the principle to "Feel the fear, and do it anyway," and followed through.
Find more Business Books of the Week on my Goodreads Listopia page at https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9..., and find many more reviewed and recommended books and products by searching for me on Google.
This book was Stevo's Business Book of the Week for the week of 1/24, as selected by Stevo's Book Reviews on the Internet and Stevo's Novel Ideas. Leadership is hard. How can you balance compassion for your people with effectiveness in getting the job done?
Our brains are not wired for compassion. When we see a challenge, we seek the outcome that is most comfortable. Hougaard and Carter provide countless illustrations of leaders courageously blending compassion with hard decisions without sacrificing effectiveness.
One of my favorite illustrations is that of Pamela Maynard, CEO of Avanade, who, facing a global pandemic, was determined to help her employees feel safe and cared for. The decisions to remove chargeability requirements for consultants and lift PTO limits were risky, but she adopted the principle to "Feel the fear, and do it anyway," and followed through.
Find more Business Books of the Week on my Goodreads Listopia page at https://www.goodreads.com/list/show/9..., and find many more reviewed and recommended books and products by searching for me on Google.
April 8, 2025
This book presents an intriguing exploration of the intersection between empathy and effective leadership.
While the emphasis on compassion is commendable, one must consider whether it sufficiently addresses the complexities of human nature and the inherent challenges of leadership. Compassion, while essential, must be balanced with accountability and a clear understanding of hierarchies. Leaders are not merely facilitators of a harmonious environment; they are also responsible for navigating the chaotic realities that arise in any organization.
It might leave readers yearning for a more robust examination of the psychological underpinnings that drive human behavior in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that while empathy is vital, it must be integrated with a clear-eyed understanding of the complexities of the human condition.
While the emphasis on compassion is commendable, one must consider whether it sufficiently addresses the complexities of human nature and the inherent challenges of leadership. Compassion, while essential, must be balanced with accountability and a clear understanding of hierarchies. Leaders are not merely facilitators of a harmonious environment; they are also responsible for navigating the chaotic realities that arise in any organization.
It might leave readers yearning for a more robust examination of the psychological underpinnings that drive human behavior in the face of adversity. It is a reminder that while empathy is vital, it must be integrated with a clear-eyed understanding of the complexities of the human condition.
March 17, 2025
Choose to care
Be authentic
Trust culture
Trust is fragile*
Respect
Trust doesn’t exist on its own
“compassionate leadership combines care with intentional action. By choosing empowering perspectives, building trust through consistent actions, and creating meaningful connections in every interaction, you can lead with empathy while driving strong results.
Compassionate leaders listen, ask thoughtful questions, and offer clear feedback to encourage growth and independence. They also understand the importance of personal well-being, knowing that effective leadership requires balance. When you lead with authenticity and care, you cultivate an engaged and supportive environment where both individuals and teams can thrive.”
Be authentic
Trust culture
Trust is fragile*
Respect
Trust doesn’t exist on its own
“compassionate leadership combines care with intentional action. By choosing empowering perspectives, building trust through consistent actions, and creating meaningful connections in every interaction, you can lead with empathy while driving strong results.
Compassionate leaders listen, ask thoughtful questions, and offer clear feedback to encourage growth and independence. They also understand the importance of personal well-being, knowing that effective leadership requires balance. When you lead with authenticity and care, you cultivate an engaged and supportive environment where both individuals and teams can thrive.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2023
Overall this is a good reminder of personal habits and activities to become a more kind and mindful leader. However, I felt like asking current CEOs and other senior executives as proof of concept is to presume that those leaders are compassionate. While some of the actions highlighted are in fact kind acts, there is something greater missing from the dialogue; overall compassion. True compassion cannot be only situational and to be a compassionate leader requires a compassionate mindset, which is missing from this book. It feels to me that the direction is to try to act kindly under the current business system and attempts to give direction on how to handle current situations, compassionately, but offers no broader look at being more compassionate in leadership in general. Good read and worth the purchase, but not the nest commentary on compassionate leadership.
January 13, 2024
Making hard decisions as a leader doesn’t mean you need to leave your humanity at the door. Rather compassionate leadership is a lifelong journey of committing to mindfully practicing transparency, care, and empathy. Based on research evidence and discussions with top execs from global companies, this book is a must-read for aspiring and seasoned leaders navigating leadership in a post-pandemic world.
March 28, 2022
Readable. A reminder that we are leaders of people not tasks and therefore the humanity must show through. Like the concept of Caring Candour and the idea that compassionate leadership is about the practical wisdom of experience of knowing what to look at and focus up but at the same time being in the benefit of others. Similar to the concept of Servant Leadership.
July 28, 2022
Compelling research and theory on how to move past empathy into action. A few concepts were still lost on me so I’ll need to go back and read/ listen again. While I don’t want to be in some of the situations referenced, the advice and practical tips seem aligned with the intent to provide a humane approach and treat others with the utmost respect.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2023
Starts off slow, the middle has some really good content that I plan to refer back to, and the end does get a tad preachy but overall full of good insight and good reminders for newer managers. The section on the difference between empathy and compassion was really useful and challenging for me and I will be chewing on it for a while!
December 23, 2023
I really enjoyed the book, also many of the real life cases and stories, several of those were eye opening subjects.
Maybe some chapters were more focused in feeling answers than real studies or reviews. But in general i belive is a good any person worried and looking for increasd his leadership path must read.
Maybe some chapters were more focused in feeling answers than real studies or reviews. But in general i belive is a good any person worried and looking for increasd his leadership path must read.
October 17, 2024
This book shares moral principles from ranking business executives on how to communicate to employees in difficult times. I rated it four stars instead of five because everyone’s values are different, so not inherently objective. I would recommend this book along with other business ethics and religion books to teach moral values.
January 4, 2025
If you aspire to be a leader or are currently in a leadership role; this is worth a read. It provides a insightful view into managing tough situations
Even if you are not in a leadership role or management position; it will help give you perspective on those that are making decision that impact your career or life
Even if you are not in a leadership role or management position; it will help give you perspective on those that are making decision that impact your career or life
April 9, 2022
The books makes a great insight into the difference between Empathy and Compassion.
Providing you with a wise compassion flywheel:
- Presence - Be Here Now
- Courage- Courage over Comfort
- Candor - Direct Is Faster
- Transparency - Clarity Is Kindness
Providing you with a wise compassion flywheel:
- Presence - Be Here Now
- Courage- Courage over Comfort
- Candor - Direct Is Faster
- Transparency - Clarity Is Kindness
June 7, 2023
Muutamia hyviä oivalluksia ja käyttökelpoista tutkimustietoa. Oleellinen nosto: empatia ei tarkoita pehmeyttä ja liika empatia hidastaa päätöksentekoa. Välillä voi olla empaattista irtisanoa alisuoriutuja kuin siirtää hänet paikkaan, jossa ei "ole harmiksi".
August 1, 2024
thought provoking and practical
I liked the organization of some chapters with key points in a box, following be detailed descriptions/discussions of the key points. The importance of compassionate leadership and how to develop it will guide me in my career.
I liked the organization of some chapters with key points in a box, following be detailed descriptions/discussions of the key points. The importance of compassionate leadership and how to develop it will guide me in my career.
May 8, 2022
“The mantra here is: connect with empathy but lead with compassion.”
My interview with the author: https://www.strategy-business.com/blo...
My interview with the author: https://www.strategy-business.com/blo...
July 12, 2022
An excellent read! I really liked the connection made between mindfulness and leadership. I also enjoyed the actionable advice.
August 6, 2022
One of the best books I've read on leadership in recent years! Chapters 9 & 10 really hammered down some of my current thoughts at my place of employment.
October 10, 2022
I feel like this is the leadership book we all need in a post COVID workplace.
Read
October 21, 2023My favorite phrase from the whole book? "Clarity is Kindness."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews