Aug 3, 2024

Back in 2020, we had the joy of hosting Leila Naderi for an Awakin Call. During her own profound inner journey, she realized that the chakras of yoga (the spiritual energy centers that exist within particular areas of the human body) and various leadership approaches were in fact extremely synergistic.  From this synergy emerged the concept of “The Seven Elements of Leadership,” each of which is perfectly aligned with a chakra of yoga practice.  And now she's written a book about it! 

Below is the chapter on 'Activating the Compassion Element' that we're honored to be featured in ... 

The Compassion Element of Leadership introduces leaders who see those around them as human beings in need of support, understanding, and love. This approach is best encapsulated by the leadership theory of: Servant Leadership!

SERVANT LEADERSHIP

This theory is all about leaders focusing all of their leadership work on the ability to serve the needs of others. Servant leaders are not worried at all about their own self-interests or profit, but rather they live to serve others, particularly their followers. Robert Greenleaf, the founder of this concept in the field of leadership, spoke about ten major attributes for a person to be a servant leader: listening, empathy, healing, awareness, persuasion, conceptualization, foresight, stewardship, commitment to the growth of others, and building community. This is one of the most difficult theories for people to understand because we often don’t see leaders as serving others… but when you really think about it, isn’t this what leaders are all about in terms of supporting, motivating, and helping their followers towards the shared cause? But the key struggle for people with this theory is that the power dynamic that usually exists in leadership is completely lost when the leader is a servant to others. But think of someone like Mother Teresa, and suddenly this theory makes a whole lot of sense.

REAL WORLD EXAMPLES

Laddership Unveiled:

Elevating Compassionate Leadership

In the realm of compassionate leadership, Nipun Mehta's talks on laddership, the gift economy, and Heart Intelligence illuminate the path to transformative leadership. His insights and inspiring analogies provide a framework for "Laddership," where leadership transcends transactional relationships and fosters deep, meaningful connections. Nipun's recent talks, including those at Harvard, highlight the shift from Artificial Intelligence (AI) to Heart Intelligence (HI), emphasizing the power of empathy and emotional intelligence in leadership.

As the Founder of ServiceSpace.org, an ecosystem of global volunteers dedicated to fostering a culture of generosity and kindness, Nipun Mehta, along with thousands of volunteers, has made significant and positive contributions, showcasing servant leadership in action. I was honored to host Nipun Mehta for a presentation on “Laddership: Transforming Leadership from a Transactional to Relational Framework'' at the California School of Management & Leadership in December 2021. His work with ServiceSpace, which operates on the principles of servant leadership, embodies the essence of relational leadership and serves as a beacon of hope for leaders striving to create positive change.

Mehta's narrative highlights the significance of service, framing genuine leadership as an act of selfless devotion to others, nurturing community, and transforming from “I” to “we”. It issues a compelling call for leaders to act as architects of positive change through kindness and compassion, fostering a culture where empathy and understanding take precedence.

Mehta's ideas guide leaders away from rigid hierarchies towards dynamic laddership. In this vision, leaders are not perched at the summit of a pyramid but actively involved in constructing ladders of support, serving others towards their pinnacle of potential.

In the concept of laddership, Mehta paints a vivid picture of the ripple effect stemming from small acts of kindness and service. Like pebbles dropped into a pond, these acts create waves that resonate far beyond the initial gesture, influencing the entire community.

Mehta delves into the notion of a "gift ecology," and advocates for a shift towards a more inclusive and interconnected approach. Central to his message is the belief in humanity's inherent capacity for generosity, where contributions are offered without the immediate expectation of reciprocation. This paradigm encourages leaders to cultivate a culture of giving, where the focus is on nurturing meaningful connections rather than seeking immediate returns. Mehta's work offers a blueprint for leadership across diverse contexts, aligning seamlessly with the compassionate element of leadership discussed in our chapter. Embracing laddership, leaders become catalysts for positive change, cultivating a sense of community and contributing to a more compassionate and sustainable world. For more on Nipun Mehta's transformative leadership, talks, and projects, visit nipun.servicespace.org.

Karma Kitchen:

A Model of Compassionate Leadership

Karma Kitchen is a remarkable business model and a living testament to kindness and generosity. This unique approach perfectly aligns with both servant and compassionate leadership principles. At Karma Kitchen restaurants, there are no prices on the menu, and the check reads $0.00 with this footnote: "Your meal was a gift from someone who came before you. To keep the chain of gifts alive, we invite you to pay it forward for those who dine after you."

Core Principles of Karma Kitchen

Selfless Service: Patrons pay it forward by covering the cost of meals for others, embodying the essence of servant leadership.

Generosity and Empathy: At its heart, Karma Kitchen is built on the belief in humanity's innate capacity for generosity and empathy. This business model encourages participants to recognize the profound impact their actions have on others, fostering a culture where empathy and kindness flourish.

As detailed on Karma Kitchen's website: “Karma Kitchen first opened in Berkeley on March 31st, 2007, by several volunteers inspired to seed the value of a 'gift economy'. It has since spread around the globe.

Run by volunteers, our meals are cooked and served with love and offered to guests as genuine gifts. To complete the full circle of giving and sustaining this experiment, guests make contributions in the spirit of paying it forward to those who will come after them. By keeping this chain going, the generosity of both guests and volunteers helps to create a future that moves from transaction to trust, from self-oriented isolation to shared commitment, and from fear of scarcity to the celebration of abundance.”

Karma Kitchen's model is a powerful example of servant and compassionate leadership. By emphasizing selfless service, generosity, empathy, and the creation of a culture of contribution, it shows how small acts of kindness can have a profound impact on organizational dynamics. This integration of ideas and practical implementation weaves a narrative of compassionate leadership, transforming theoretical concepts into everyday actions and interactions. To learn more visit: KarmaKitchen.org

Dr. Leila Naderi has over 15 years of diverse leadership experience specializing in leadership development, strategic partnerships, international education, and leveraging business for social impact. Currently leading the Employer Relations team at the University of San Diego's Career Development Center, she is also the found of yoga for Leadership and co-author of "The Yogi Leader: Discovering the seven Elements of Leading with Mind, Body, & Heart". She serves on the International Affairs Board of the City of Sand Diego, dedicated to fostering global collaboration and promoting peace. She is an advanced yoga instructor and holds a PhD in Leadership, an MBA, and a Bachelor's in Electrical and Electronics Engineering.