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

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.