Title: Developing compassionate self-leadership: a conceptual framework for leadership effectiveness in the digital age

Authors: Alexia Mary Tzortzaki

Addresses: Cardiff School of Management, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Llandaff Campus, Western Ave., Cardiff CF5 2YB, Wales, UK

Abstract: Grounded on two of the most influential models of emotional intelligence and self-leadership theory, the proposed conceptual framework in this study reflects the importance of self-compassion in leadership effectiveness. Compared to previous studies, which mainly originate in task and material-oriented cultures, the HEART-led framework, posits a fresh, dynamic approach to leadership development. Calling for a return to the primordial leadership qualities of mindfulness, integrity, resilience and compassionate human connection, this model resonates more with the much-needed leadership skills of the post covid-19, digital age. Findings from the literature review reveal that self-compassion positively affects emotional intelligence levels and self-directed behaviours, such as optimism and initiative, which in turn influence leadership effectiveness. Preliminary qualitative evidence from the framework's application in management education suggests that compassionate self-leadership can be taught and that it can be transferred to a variety of learning contexts both in higher education and the workplace with encouraging results.

Keywords: soft skills; life skills; self-leadership; self-compassion; resilience; mindfulness; compassionate leadership; model; knowledge worker; framework.

DOI: 10.1504/JGBA.2022.129061

Journal for Global Business Advancement, 2022 Vol.15 No.3, pp.272 - 296

Received: 31 Aug 2022
Accepted: 12 Oct 2022
Published online: 16 Feb 2023 *

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