Tweet

Leadership: The power of compassion & respect

Guest post by: Jim Bouchard

Article Overview: Nearly every time I speak I ask for a definition of the word "respect." Nearly every time I ask that question whether it's for a group of middle school students or a conference for executives I hear some very consistent responses.

Leadership: The power of compassion & respect

Leadership is the ultimate expression of power; power being defined as "your ability to act or perform effectively." The only way to effectively leverage and expand power is through sharing. Sharing is the ultimate expression of compassion and compassion is one of the most important qualities of an effective leader.

Related Articles
  Self-Pity or Self-Compassion
  CEO Speak Out
  Attracting Holding Good Trade Show Traffic
  Blogging
  Ten Characteristics of Leadership
  Trust and Respect
  Building a Company With A Strong Foundation
  Don’t Forget to Care
  Demonstrating Leadership when Handling a Disgruntled Employee
  Ambition - Good or Bad?
  Take the Time to CARE
  Leadership Branding (Redux)
  Compassion or indifference?
  Lou Holtz on Winning
  Leadership According to Napoleon Hill
  LEADERSHIP IS PERFORMANE NOT POSITION
  Compassion International Invests USD 5 Million in Opportunity International to Develop Microfinance in Africa
  Leadership Characteristics – Managing With Feeling
  5 Rules for Student Leaders
  Level 1 Leadership Communication - Becoming the Leader You Want/Need to Be

Article Tags: business, compassion, Jim Bouchard, leadership, management, respect, Think Like a Black Belt



Related Forum Posts
Our Reactions - I've been thinking about the comments here and on the young entrepreneur board about respect and I have a question. Do any of you think that part of the respect problem could be the way any of us react when people assume we're men or older? I've had misunderstandings with people and their reaction made a big difference in my initial thoughts and impressions of them. Could just be me, but thought I would ask. If that is possible, what could we as women or young people to help make it easier to help people know who we really are and to begin to respect us? I still say it takes time and no one is entitled to "automatic" respect. But, can we find ways to get our business relationship started on the right foot, so to speak? Shri
Respect?!? - Hi there, A successful business depends on ongoing series of transactions. This inlvolves people. To what extend is respect important? When one thinks of himself alone, like me, me and me, how can respect become real? How many types of respect can we come up with? I think of a few: Respect of disagreement can be one. Then there is Respect of the Customer. Respect of position. Respect of 'Older Person'. By the same token, Respect of the 'Younger ones'. etc..... Has anybody got any other ideas on this subject. Kindest Regards Beat "Unlock People's Potentials!"
Re: Business Women Peer Mentoring Spotlight - Hi Everyone, Gosh, I REALLY appreciate your concrete feedback. This was far more than I expected and I'm glad you said what you thought straight out. Each of you have shared something of value and I want to take some more time to think and really go over what each of you have said. However, I can see there are some things I need to change right away. What an interesting point about a NEW program perhaps making people think they are guinea pigs! This is NOT what I want to convey! It's funny how we can see some things so clearly in others while not always seeing it for ourselves! I must admit there are a few things I've been meaning to change (like my bio which is very outdated). Obviously, these things need to be higher on my priority list. You caught me like the plumber who puts his clients first and doesn't get around to fixing his own tap! As far as my target market, I do feel quite strongly about working with Women Leaders and doing Leadership Coaching with them. It's non-negotiable in my books. In my Executive Coaching training, the terms "Leaders" and "Executives" are interchangable. To me, an Executive is a Leader and so is the Business Woman or Entrepreneur who is CEO of her own business. I love working with decision makers! What I did learn is that I need to avoid opening up the Leadership term beyond what I described above. I'm also wondering if there is a misunderstanding with the general public as to what Leadership Coaching really is. Leadership Coaching is all about developing your leadership skills, both as a people manager and in more effectively running and growing the business. There is ALWAYS room for growth in some way. As well, sometimes, we just need a sounding board to clarify what our next BEST step is. In fact, if a woman thinks she has nothing to work on, then we aren't a good Client/Coach fit anyway. How can she grow if she doesn't see the value of expressing ALL of the great ability within her? How can her company grow if she doesn't see the value of strategic planning for the next best level? Thanks again to you all! I will go back to my website and really question whether I am conveying the right message. I got more than I bargained for in this Spotlight... you generously offered way more than I was asking. I think we could be on to something great for the Forum. Now it's time to let someone else have the spotlight. It would be great if everyone took a turn! In gratitude, Tami
Women Entrepreneur Tips - Thank you LeoOliveros, I found #4 particularly true in my case: 4. The Enterprise Must Include the Power of Power Networks. As a conductor of your own enterprise, you can not see yourself as a one-woman-show. You must choose to utilize the power people in your life, by asking for help when you need it, and effectively delegating in order to capitalize on your strengths and that of your power network. When certain experts are not represented in your power network, you must actively seek advisors or mentors and develop a team of specialists, so the benefits are received by everyone involved in the power network - the true Power of Power Networks.
Re: When do you make someone a partner? - [quote="Kevin":i2xtlokm][quote="Alan Mater":i2xtlokm]Hi Kevin, Yes, being able to get along and tolerate them is very important. If you constantly fight and bicker and can't come to a conclusion when it comes to making important decisions, then the partnership will most likely not work out.[/quote:i2xtlokm] Well if you're always fighting with that employee, chances are you would have fired him/her long ago. However, people also tend to act differently when they're of a lower status as opposed to an equal. For instance, a small business owner may make a chef into a partner and love his personality... but then the change in power/status could reveal the chef's true colors (it's just like dating;)[/quote:i2xtlokm] Not necessarily. You can fight with someone, but still tolerate them. It depends on what the situation is and the reason for fighting. In a lot of cases, yes, they'd probably be fired, but not all. Fighting isn't always a bad thing, either. If you're fighting over decisions, that can be bad, but if it's over opinions, then maybe not. The employee could still be a good candidate for a potential partner, but you would have to weigh the good and bad of him/her. I agree, though, that when someone gains more power and respect, they tend to show their true colors. You can have two extremes, one who shows more initiative and cares a lot more about the company after being made a partner, and one who slacks off and becomes less responsible than before. "With power comes great responsibility." A partner should make this their motto and stick to it, realizing that what they do now has an even bigger impact on the business.


Share this article with your friends. Fund someone's dream.

Leave a comment below or share on the left and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Newsletter

Get advice & tips from famous business
owners, new articles by entrepreneur
experts, my latest website updates, &
special sneak peaks at what's to come!

Name:
Email:

Popular Articles

TOP Level Selling

The five pillars of internet marketing strategy

Suggestions

Email us your ideas on how to make our
website more valuable! Thank you Sharon
from Toronto Salsa Lessons / Classes for
your suggestions to make the newsletter
look like the website and profile younger
entrepreneurs like Jennifer Lopez.