Leading through change is often a long game.

It takes stamina and resilience.

That is why setting, holding and protecting your own personal boundaries is essential.

The only way you’ll be able to give and maintain compassion to your team through the stress of change is if you’re in good shape yourself.

And the only way you’ll be in good shape is if you protect your own energy and time.

Some leaders think compassion means giving all of themselves to their people. Being there for others at every moment. Saying yes to every request for a conversation. Give, give, give until there’s nothing left to give.

With such a warped view of what compassion looks like, it’s no wonder you might be thinking, “No Leah, I can’t give any more. I’m running on empty. I can’t do compassion too.”

Oh, but you can. And boundaries will help you do it.

Let me be clear: Compassion is NOT about giving until you’re empty.

That is not a sustainable practice at all.

Boundaries – such as setting times for when you’re available and not responding to phone calls or emails (unless it’s an emergency) after a certain time at night – are not in opposition to compassion.

Rather, they are essential for it.

Setting and holding boundaries will help you create the space to be ok in the middle of the storm.

And that is key to being able to lead with compassion at a time when you will likely be tested professionally and personally like never before.

#steerthroughthestorm #change #leadership #changeleadership #compassion #communication