Modern leaders operate with a bold and daring belief in themselves without being blinded by ego. Image: marketing91.com.
Bruce Kasanoff cites research that argues the era of the ruthless self-seeker, undermining and eliminating rivals on their way to the top of their organisation, is no longer sustainable in an interconnected world.
Have you ever noticed how the most inspiring leaders aren’t just successful?
They’re the ones who lift others along the way. I’m talking about the compassionate achiever: someone who has mastered the art of pursuing excellence while elevating those around them.
There are more of them than you might imagine, for most don’t self-promote.
When I first encountered social science researcher Christopher Kukk’s concept of the ‘’compassionate achiever’’, I saw it challenged the traditional narrative that success requires stepping on others.
Dr Kukk’s research reveals something fascinating: people driven by intrinsic values – such as creating meaningful impact – not only achieve more, but also sustain their success longer than those focused solely on external rewards.
Think about it: While others exhaust themselves in zero-sum games, compassionate achievers tap into a renewable energy source – the power of purpose-driven success.
They operate with what I call ‘’grounded audacity’’ – to have a bold and daring belief in themselves without being blinded by ego.
This unique combination creates several game-changing advantages.
Innovation through inclusion: Instead of hoarding insights, they create environments in which diverse perspectives thrive.
As a result, they find solutions that others miss.
Stronger, more resilient networks: While others build transactional relationships, compassionate achievers forge genuine connections that stand the test of challenges and create real opportunities.
Sustainable success: Their achievements compound because they focus on lifting others. Every win creates ripples of positive impact.
Here’s what makes compassionate achievers particularly effective in today’s workplace landscape.
They transform competitors into collaborators by finding win-win scenarios; they build loyalty through genuine investment in others’ growth.
They spot opportunities others miss because they’re actually listening, and they create sustainable success by building supportive ecosystems, not just personal empires.
If you are ready to amplify your impact, start with these simple steps.
Transform your meetings: Begin each interaction by asking: ”How can I make this valuable for everyone involved?” Watch how this shifts the energy and outcomes.
Upgrade your network: Instead of asking: ”What can this person do for me?”, ask: ”What unique value can we create together?”
Reframe your goals: For each achievement you’re pursuing, identify how it can benefit others.
This isn’t about diminishing your ambition; it’s about magnifying your impact.
Compassionate achievers are proving there’s a better way. They’re demonstrating that the highest forms of achievement don’t require sacrificing their humanity.
The question isn’t whether you can afford to be a compassionate achiever. In today’s interconnected world, the real question is whether you can afford not to be.
What’s your next move to blend compassion with achievement? Your path to a larger impact might be closer than you think.
Bruce Kasanoff is the founder of The Journey, a newsletter for positive, uplifting and accomplished professionals. He is also an executive coach and social media ghostwriter for entrepreneurs. He can be contacted at kasanoff.com. This article first appeared at kasanoff.com.
