Human First, Leader Second: How Self-Compassion Outperforms Self-Criticism

By Massimo Backus

Book Overview

A self-compassion blueprint for leaders who are closed-off, constantly on the verge of burnout, and/or trapped in the myth of perfectionism.

Through this 6-step framework, leaders will learn that self-compassion is for the strong, to separate their title from their person, and how to care for themselves in order to care for others.

So many leadership and compassion books seek to remind leaders to "behave human" and treat those around them with care. But the truth is that leaders are human. They're not playing at being human or calling forth their humanity on demand. Their struggle in marrying leadership and compassion stems from leaders ignoring self-care--the lack of compassion toward their subordinates is just a symptom.

Human First, Leader Second introduces leaders to the practice of self-compassion through a 6-step framework designed to ease even the most hard-headed and hard-assed leaders into thoughtful, and productive, introspection.

Backward Biography, Biology, BackstoryForward Purpose, Values, PrioritiesInward Intentions, Feelings, ThoughtsOutward Intent, Actions, BehaviorsLeeward Self-care and Personal AccountabilityWayward Regret and Self-forgiveness
Offering strategies for a personalized exploration of self-compassion--and what works best for the individual--this book will help leaders grow awareness to the importance of self-care while debunking the myth that compassion equals weakness. Regardless of our title or influence, we are all humans first, who need compassion.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1523007052
• ISBN13: 9781523007059
• Release Date: September 2024
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers
• Length: 264 Pages
• Weight: 0.05 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.4" x 8.4"

Customer Reviews

Self-compassion Can Make Us Better Leaders

I applaud Backus for sharing his personal story. It wasn’t a pretty picture and his willingness to show how self-criticism had stymied him all of his life is a wake-up call for others. He’s a connector and this makes his message more powerful. I enjoyed the client stories where the people willing to share their journey found a better way of being. I really appreciated how he chose to label those things we do to hide and self-protect. Backus coined them Well-intentioned, Misinformed Protectors – WIMPs. I could relate to several of the WIMPs. Backus makes it clear this isn’t easy. You will have to work at having self-compassion because we’re not encouraged to have it. There are many exercises and quizzes for your eyes only that can help you gauge where you’re at in using self-compassion. Backus is clear it takes work. Using self-compassion is not a once and you’re done kind of thing. Our conditioning is hard to break away from and the key is to keep plugging away and reframing when those WIMPs take center stage.