Practice Compassion in Business and at Work

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.

– The Dalai Lama

As I enjoyed D’Vorah Kelley’s service this past weekend on Compassion and Building Beloved Community One Drop at a Time, I contemplated its application in business and at work:

  • While we all go to a place of fear and self-absorption in the face of workplace (or any) conflict, don’t dwell there too long; instead of getting defensive, ask what is needed – “lather, rinse and repeat;”
  • In the face of ignorance or inexperience, be a teacher, not a judge;
  • Accept and facilitate your team mates where they are, not where you impatiently want them to be;
  • Have an issue with a team mate? Don’t gossip or triangulate with others – lean into the discussion and speak to your team mate directly with courage and respect.

How will you practice compassion this week and beyond, in business and at work?

compassion