The Role of Compassion in Paradoxical Leadership: Embracing Contradictions for Success

These extraordinary times have forever changed society, revealing the interconnectedness of businesses, society, and individuals in a way we’ve never seen before.

As a result, people are reevaluating their relationships with those in positions of leadership, with a scale of scrutiny typically reserved for times of social unrest or monumental societal change. This heightened interest signals a significant problem with the status quo of leadership, demanding a dramatic transformation. The traditional dimensions of successful leadership are simply inadequate for these rapidly shifting times.

Are employees demanding more from their leaders? Absolutely.

In reality, the current situation has amplified the importance of qualities that have always played a vital role: emotional intelligence (EQ), compassion, and human-centered leadership. These attributes, seemingly paradoxical to conventional notions of productivity, are finally being recognized for what they truly are. If we view COVID-19 as a magnifying glass, it brings these qualities into sharper focus.

Ultimately, it all boils down to quality. The lack of quality leadership was not as glaringly apparent before the COVID-19 lockdowns. The problems existed, but they were often overlooked and considered the norm. The additional strain caused by the pandemic has made leaders less visible, exacerbating existing issues. Poor-quality leaders have struggled to maintain a “business-as-usual” approach in these extraordinary times, forcing them to acquire a new set of capabilities.

Previous leadership styles and theories failed to teach these capabilities or give them due value. Stylistic preferences for managerial leadership clash with the importance of emotional intelligence and compassion. Leaders who lack self-awareness, empathetic communication, inclusivity, and an understanding of their business’s role within the larger societal context struggle to adapt to the “new normal” effectively.

Managing an organization’s success while simultaneously adapting it for the future presents leaders with significant challenges. Emotional intelligence can often be overlooked due to its complex nature. Leadership was never meant to follow a “one size fits all” approach. Today, successful leaders must embody and navigate a broad spectrum of apparent contradictions to thrive in an ever-changing world. As we strive to repair, reconfigure, and build resilient systems, it is imperative for leaders to understand, accept, and embrace these contradictions. Mastering the art of comfortably inhabiting and maneuvering across these paradoxes will be crucial to their success.

Drawing from PwC’s Blair Sheppard, we explore six leadership paradoxes that shed light on the challenges and solutions within each:

1️⃣ Tech-savvy Humanist: Leaders must consider the human implications of technological advancements within their organizations. 2️⃣ Globally-minded Localist: Navigating local environmental issues, poverty, and conservation while maintaining a global perspective. 3️⃣ Strategic Executor: Balancing strategy and action, reacting promptly and proactively. 4️⃣ Humble Hero: Stepping up when faced with uncertainty or challenging times, being visible, accountable, and open to the possibility of being wrong. 5️⃣ Traditional Innovator: Embracing continuous innovation while respecting and adapting to established traditions. 6️⃣ High-integrity Politician: Investing in negotiations, integrating ideas, and committing to goals larger than self-interest.

This article addresses employee dissatisfaction and the surge in leadership content, highlighting an underlying paradigm shift. To align themselves with employees, leaders must grasp these six leadership paradoxes, recognizing and considering them in their decision-making processes.

Paradoxical leadership thrives on dynamic action and change, seeking progress rather than stability and certainty. This style demands emotional intelligence and an ability to navigate ambiguity, challenging traditional managerial methods. Leaders who understand their strengths, embrace contradictions, and surround themselves with complementary leaders who excel in other paradoxes are poised for success.

This approach requires humility and vulnerability, acknowledging that leaders don’t have all the answers. It emphasizes the value of experimentation and encourages constructive feedback to foster learning and adaptability.

While it may seem paradoxical, leaders who prioritize emotional intelligence and compassion possess the adaptability needed for each unique situation. Compassion is not innate; it grows from considerate behavior. The best leaders are empathetic, sympathetic, and understanding — truly considerate.

Leaders with a high EQ and compassion dedicate their time to listening to and supporting others, developing a sixth sense for problems and finding the best ways to navigate them.

Leadership is an ongoing journey of growth and improvement, one that demands continual learning and an unwavering commitment to overcoming the challenges that shape our surroundings. Those who rise to confront these crises and embrace contradictions may find that leadership during times of disruption is less conflicting than they originally believed.