The Surprising Link Between Compassion and Success

New research suggests that rather than making them look soft, acts of kindness and altruism increase leaders’ standing in a group.

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To many people, the idea of compassionate leadership is too touchy-feely at best and bad management at worst. But new research suggests that rather than making them look soft, acts of kindness and altruism increase leaders’ standing in a group.

In some contexts, that can translate into a serious competitive advantage.

When Nice Guys Finish First

Consider this choice: Given two individuals with equivalent talent and skills, who do you look up to and prefer to work with, promote, or invite onto a project? Chances are it’s the more compassionate one.