The Power of Compassion

“Compassion. It’s not just a word. It’s a way of being. It’s not just a concept. It’s love in action.” – Jeff Brown

As I sit here on the first of November, I wonder what I need to finish out 2024.

What do those around me need to finish out the year?

The one word that keeps coming up for me is compassion. Compassion for others, compassion for myself.

What does it mean to be compassionate and how does it differ from empathy? The definition of compassion is “sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it.” Whereas empathy is characterized by an awareness of other people’s emotional experiences. In this HBR article they describe the difference perfectly, empathy + action = compassion.

In this Forbes article, they breakdown empathy vs. compassion in the following statements:

• Empathy is impulsive. Compassion is deliberate.
• Empathy is divisive. Compassion is unifying.
• Empathy is inert. Compassion is active.
• Empathy is draining. Compassion is regenerative.

So, how do you focus more on compassion?

In the book Wonder Drug and described by the authors in this HBR article, they provide a “seven-part, evidence-based “prescription” for how leaders and managers can effectively grow their compassion skills at work (and everywhere else).”

1. Start small – It’s just that simple, take a small step when showing compassion for others. “A Johns Hopkins study found that giving just 40 seconds of compassion can lower another person’s anxiety in a measurable way.”
2. Be thankful – Gratitude can not only change your attitude, but it can change how you see others. “A University of Toronto study found that in everyday life (e.g., the workplace) we have, on average, nine unique opportunities for compassion every day.”
3. Be purposeful – When someone is telling you about their struggles be mindful in your questions and focus on how you can support them vs asking more about the situation. Start with something like “how can I support you?”
4. Find common ground – Show compassion to everyone, not just those who are in your everyday life or connected to you in some way. Compassion should be inclusive.
5. See it – When you see compassion, praise it! Whether at work or at home, take notice for compassion and knowledge it with yourself and others.
6. Elevate – How can you enhance your compassion? This doesn’t just affect you. “Research confirms that both compassion and rudeness are contagious.”
7. Know your power – You have the power to make a difference in other lives, and beginning with compassion is a great place to start. The more compassionate you are, the better you’ll be at it.

Embracing compassion isn’t just something you do around the holidays or when someone you care about is going through a hard time, compassion should be practiced daily.

So, as we wrap up 2024, I ask you to find ways to show compassion towards others and yourself. I promise, the more you do it, the easier it will be.

Here are articles we found helpful on the topic:
Leading with Compassion Has Research-Backed Benefits
Four Reasons Why Compassion is Better for Humanity than Empathy
Give Yourself a Break: The Power of Self-Compassion