Self-Compassion at Work, in Leadership, and Beyond | Dr. Kristin Neff

Do Good To Lead Well with Craig Dowden

Have you ever considered that showing yourself kindness could be the key to overcoming life's hurdles? This week, I had the privilege of welcoming Dr. Kristin Neff, a trailblazer in the field of self-compassion research, and together we embarked on a conversation that promises to alter the way you confront personal and professional challenges. Through Dr. Neff's compelling personal narrative, we unearth the transformative power of self-compassion, demonstrating how it can shift our typical self-critical responses to a nurturing and supportive mindset.

During this insightful conversation, Dr. Neff and I tackle the myths surrounding self-compassion, shedding light on how it distinguishes from self-pity and actually promotes a heightened sense of shared humanity and resilience, particularly within the high-pressure realm of leadership. We unpack how incorporating self-compassion can reduce burnout, enhance performance, and redirect one's inner critic to become a source of encouragement, akin to a coach championing their team.

As we wrap up our conversation, Dr. Neff offers tangible strategies for applying self-compassion to navigate the stormy seas of negative emotions. We delve into the simple yet profound effects of physical gestures of self-kindness and the power of addressing ourselves with the same compassion we'd extend to a dear friend. By embracing these practices, listeners will find encouragement to foster personal growth, align with their core values, and approach life's adversities with a balanced mix of courage and tenderness.

What You’ll Learn:

• The essential differences between self-compassion, self-esteem, and self-pity.

• Intriguing research findings on how self-compassion can combat workplace burnout and bolster resilience.

• How self-compassion allows you to take more, not less, responsibility and grow.

• The role of self-talk and journaling in reinforcing your self-compassion.

• Practical strategies for managing negative emotions with grace and self-understanding.

Podcast Timestamps:

(00:00) – An Introduction to Self-Compassion

(10:11) – The Benefits of Self-Compassion

(17:00) - Misconceptions About Self-Compassion

(30:12) - The Power of Acceptance

(38:45) - The Crucial Role of Self-Compassion in Aligning with Our Core Values

(44:27) - Self-Compassion in Dealing With Negative Emotions

Key Topics Discussed:

Self-Compassion, Mindfulness, Personal Growth, Positive Leadership, Self-Leadership, Burnout, Resilience, Negative Emotions, Authenticity, Values, Emotional Well-Being, Mastering Emotions, Journaling, Managing Your Inner Critic, Forgiveness, Emotional Healing, Emotional Intelligence

More of Kristin:

Kristin Neff is currently an Associate Professor of Educational Psychology at the University of Texas at Austin, and is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research. She conducted the first empirical studies on self-compassion more than 20 years ago, and her extraordinary career in this space has led her to publish books and articles, and share her practices with the world through the Center for Mindful Self-Compassion. Dr. Neff has been recognized as one of the most influential researchers in psychology worldwide. She is the author of the best selling book, Self-Compassion. And her latest book is Fierce Self Compassion, How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive. Along with her colleague Chris Germer, she has developed the empirically supported Mindful Self Compassion program and founded the Center for Mindful Self Compassion. Recently, they co-wrote the best selling book, The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinneff/

Website: https://self-compassion.org/

More of Do Good to Lead Well:

Website: https://craigdowden.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigdowden/