Applying Compassion in Complexity

When you're running a big complex piece of work, there are lots of things that can help you cope. One of the first principles is, actually, compassion. 

I was only saying this to my team last week as we reflected on wrapping up a huge merger program.

Complexity is increasingly part of the landscape we need to manage, and it is not easy.  

So maybe accept that it will be hard and practice compassion as you navigate the ups and down. 

I have 3 principles I like to follow

• a Kind Heart, 

• a Humble Soul, 

• and a Positive Mind.
  

Kind heart means remembering we are all human and that 99% of people come to work to do a good job, and that when mistakes happen (which they definitely will) people need kindness and supportive feedback, not chastisement.

A humble soul means selflessness in service of the team - the team is more important than the leader, the leader is only there to enable the team to deliver. So protecting and looking after your team.

A positive mind means seeing the positive in others... and yourself. Leaders must be compassionate to themselves, otherwise they will be overwhelmed - remember it's ok to not know or be in control of everything, and to not expect that of others too.