What are the impacts of peer relationships on an individual’s experience of inclusion at work? Some people might think that they have to make a difficult, binary choice between being a good person or a tough, effective leader. This is a false dichotomy. Humane leadership is not only necessary in today's world, it will actually help you develop the wisdom you need to succeed in business.

Here are four ways to infuse compassion into your leadership:

• Remember the Golden Rule: Treat others the way you want to be treated. While this may sound like a cliché, it's the root of compassionate leadership.

• Listen intently. If you can hear your employees with an open mind and a willingness to learn, not only will you become wiser, you'll also become better equipped to help them.

• Be prepared to serve. Whenever you’re about to engage with someone on your team, take a moment to reflect on what might be going on with them. Then ask yourself: What support might they need? Be prepared to offer help.

• Stretch people to see their potential. When someone’s already doing well, you might fear that pushing them to do more could be discouraging or demotivating. Instead of shying away from these uncomfortable conversations, reframe them as an indication of true care. Challenging people to grow is ultimately an act of kindness.

In sum, paying much more attention to these small acts of instrumental assistance, emotional bond, and embodied connection can make a world of difference especially given that in increasingly flat hierarchies, co-workers are not only a vital part of the social environment at work; they can literally define it.

Do you consider yourself to be an inclusive colleague?

What are some things you do for your colleagues?

Bourke, J. (2021, December). 3 Small Ways to Be a More Inclusive Colleague. Harvard Business Review.