Tag: Compassion

Self-Aware Leaders…

An amazing inward benefit occurs when we outwardly recognize the pains and struggles of others.

Amyra Mah said it this way, “As I learned to accept myself, I began to relate to people on a deeper level and saw that everyone comes with their own pains and struggles. I learned to appreciate them for their flaws as much as their strengths, which in turn helped me to accept myself more.”

Self-perception benefits leaders with an awareness of their strengths and weaknesses, along with an understanding of how to help others with the same.

The beauty of this discovery results in compassion, sympathy, empathy, and patience.

Compassionate Leaders…

Compassion means “to suffer together,” and no one understood this better than Jesus.

The University of California, Berkley claims that something special exists when compassion characterizes a leader: a feeling of sympathy aroused by another’s suffering and the motivation to relieve the suffering.

The guiding hand of compassion considers the suffering of someone else and acts accordingly.

The compassion of Jesus was represented in several ways. He prayed for them, healed them, fed them, and taught them.

Leaders who follow these guidelines lay a foundation that lasts into eternity.

The Lord, Our Example…

Nearing the end of Psalms we find a poetic passage that highlights several areas about the Lord, declaring why He is worthy to be praised. He is…

Creator of heaven and earth.
Executor of justice for the disadvantaged.
Provider of sustenance for those in need.
Healer of the afflicted.
Exalter of the downtrodden.
Compassionate to the upright.
Protector of strangers.
Supporter of the orphan and widow.
Frustrater of wicked ways.
Ruler of all.

These ten words are laced throughout the Bible and provide strength to the weak, comfort for the discouraged, and protection for the vulnerable.
Leaders understand and practice the same.

A Considerate Leader…

A considerate leader stands out.

They have a heart for others. Leaders are challenged to consider the good intention of others first. We live in a skeptical world. We tend to question the motive or intention of everyone, including those who deserve our greatest trust.

A considerate leader thinks about the needs of others. The needs are hard to recognize when we only experience superficial relationships. Leaders must get below the surface and learn the real need and consider how to provide it.

Consideration should be a part of a leader’s daily walk in relationships. Doing so exemplifies the compassion of great leadership.

A True Leader…

Douglas MacArthur once said, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.”

His thought exemplifies four key words that powerfully contribute to leadership.

Confidence – We need confidence in God and our leadership.

Courage – Leaders must demonstrate courage when needed.

Compassion – This Christlike quality should characterize all leaders. 

Equality – Acting with consistency is a key to equality.

Integrity – Few areas are more important than walking with integrity.

Leading in Uncertain Times…

In light of recent events, it seems appropriate to consider how to respond in these uncertain times.

1) Remember every person was created in the image of God. The beauty of this thought should motivate us to reach out with the same compassion God demonstrated toward us.

2) Leadership is about people. We do not lead objects, but people. Until leaders look through the eyes of God and the lens of humanity, this thought will be challenging.

3) How would we want someone to treat us if the roles were reversed? It is difficult in the midst of comfortability to reverse the circumstances and picture the need.

4) The need for salvation overrides any other possible reason for inactivity. Everyone needs Christ and Christ died for everyone!

Let us lead with these in mind.

Confidence, Courage, Compassion – Integrity…

Confidence, courage, and compassion are three of the strongest words in leadership. Douglas MacArthur used these words in this thought, “A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the equality of his actions and the integrity of his intent.” 

The last thought powerfully establishes true spiritual leadership – integrity.

If leaders demonstrate the qualities identified and possess the integrity to stand behind them, their leadership will be stronger and point others to the God who gave them this position.

Beautiful Leaders…

Leaders often strive to prevent or avoid conflict, controversy, and anything difficult. 

However, Elisabeth Kuebler-Ross claims, “The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.”

Leaders must appreciate the value of these challenges in life, developing a sensitivity and understanding that displays a compassionate and loving spirit.

When demonstrated, leaders exemplify a Christlike character worth following.

Protective Leaders…

We protect many things in life. We keep them safe.

Have we ever consider the importance of providing the kind of leadership that ensures safety? Developing the 3 C’s is one approach. 

Communication: Developing effective communication––speaking and listening––is essential to safety.

Consistency: We must guard against hypocrisy. What we profess and how we live should match. Consistency is vital.

Compassion: Do others know we care about them? The compassion we demonstrate can be one of the most important areas of protection.

Our efforts to help others feel safe ensures growth and development for the Lord’s kingdom.