When you ask “what is compassion?” you may think of certain moments in your personal life. What does compassion mean to you? You can imagine the compassion parents show to their newly born child. The compassion shown by a stranger has shown when running into a burning building to save someone’s life. You may even imagine the tiny acts of compassion. You’ll remember the person in line before you who pays it forward and buys you a coffee.
What is Compassion in Entrepreneurship?
In this article:
- How Compassion Spreads?
- How does Compassion bring in More Business?
- Compassion Starts with a Positive Mental Mindset
How Compassion Spreads?
You can’t have passion without compassion – Helping others in the work place https://t.co/ENeED9uGfk
— Leah Cantu (@leahkellycantu) December 5, 2017
When considering a more compassionate approach to business, you have to understand how this sentiment can spread in your business operations like a ripple effect. The initial act of compassion should be one that not only expresses it to the employees, yet encourages them to reciprocate in kind to others. The reciprocating acts don’t have to be as large or prominent as the initial act. The acts just have to be infectious enough to where the person is willing to put in the effort to spread the compassion because it not only provides them with a good feeling, they know the act itself will receive appreciation. Having compassion for others may actually make a difference.
For example, a business manager could start something as simple as an item exchange month. Employees can bring in items they no longer need and take items they could use for their families. This act of compassion can help certain employees who are struggling or may not have the means to purchase the items needed. After the exchange, employees could take the remaining items for their relatives or friends who might need them. This act of compassion by the manager could create a positive workplace atmosphere where employees establish camaraderie. It also helps those employees in need and makes them feel better as they know people care about them.
How does Compassion bring in More Business?
This initial act of kindness by the company and the manager can influence the employees’ behavior on how they interact with clients and customers. The employees may go out of their way to reciprocate the kindness they received by providing superior customer service. The kind and compassionate work ethic to help the clients can create better customer satisfaction. In return, customers can show their appreciation in a number of ways:
- writing positive reviews regarding the company and employee
- using word-of-mouth to tell friends and family about the type of great service they obtained
- ordering additional products and services only from that business
- referring other business clients and customers to the company
In this manner, the customers are bringing in more business all because employees showed how they truly cared to address the customers’ concerns. The company can see positive growth in many areas. They may be able to form long-term partnerships with other businesses. New customers can read reviews and speak with previous clients before ordering products. And existing customers may stay with the company for a long time, even when prices are raised, because of the compassionate customer service.
Compassion Starts with a Positive Mental Mindset
To understand what is compassion and spread it to others requires being in a positive state of mind so you are better receptive to this sentiment. Sharon Salzberg, a proponent of loving-kindness meditation, suggests practicing the sentiment with yourself through meditation. Repeating a loving and kind phrase to yourself, such as “May I be safe and happy,” can then allow the person to believe they can achieve this. Then the person should share the same sentiment with other family members, friends, co-workers and clients they work with for the company.
What does compassion contribute to a workplace? Anna Rosengren video elaborates:
Understanding how compassion can help you reach success will allow you to show and receive this sentiment which can spread to others. Then you can create the same ripple effect in all aspects of your life. Compassion can create satisfying work environments, build strong sales teams, and please customers as companies can see positive growth.
How does compassion change the atmosphere in your workplace? Share your inspiring stories in our comments section below.
Up Next: What is Humility in Leadership?