How to be a more Compassionate Leader (in English)
Professor Chris Kukk believes that compassion may be the key to success in workplaces. Combining neuroscience and social science, through his research, Professor Kukk developed the LUCA model - his simple four step approach to creating more compassion for practical application in workplaces. This article outlines the LUCA model, and gives the “why” and “how” for each element.
Listen to learn
Understand to know
Connect to capabilities
Act to solve
Listen to learn (not listen to reply)
Why? Don’t assume you know or understand.
How? Use silence. Listen to their body language. Listen implicitly and explicitly - to their silence and what they are not saying.
Language tools to employ: Tell me more. What else? Say more about that.
Understand to know
Why? In order to really help or be of value. In order to support the real issue.
How? Paint the whole picture, and how all facts link up. Look beyond the surface of the conversation.
Language tools to employ: How did that make you feel? What was the impact of that?
Connect to capabilities
Why? You may not be the best person to help. You may not have all the answers, but you may know someone who would be a great help, support or service.
How? Connect them to the right person within your network/organisation.
Language tools to employ: Thank you for sharing with me. I see you and hear what you’re saying. / I’d like to be able to support you as best I can. I know someone who works in this space, would you like me to put you in touch? / I’m really glad you shared with me, and while I don’t have all the answers, I want to help you find them. I want to help you get what you need. Would you be comfortable if I connected you with person X? I know they would be a great support with this, and I am always here for you too.
An important note: It’s important that your support here does not sound like you are dismissing them, or passing them on to someone else. It is important that you sit with them, listen to them, and be present. It is important that if you think you can connect them with someone more qualified than you to help, that you invite them to consider this, and give them autonomy. This is a more ethical approach, as well as showing you care and consider their confidentiality.
Act to solve
Why? Solution orientation, not clock watching.
How? Ask what is needed or how you can help. Action it, and make a time commitment.
Language tools to employ: How can I best support you? / Is there something in particular that I can do to support you in this? / Let’s put our heads together on this. / I know that together we can come up with a solution to this. / You’re not alone in this and I’m here to help. / (Once action has been decided) Let’s put a date in the diary to come back together on this.
All in all, the LUCA model offers a simple and memorable framework for adopting a more compassionate approach to leadership. It invites leaders to be present, to truly listen and to support in ways which are needed.
This article is based on the learnings from Chris Kukk’s podcast recorded with Michelle McQuiad which you can listen to here.