Leading with Compassion in the Face of Tragedy

Sometimes, the world stops us in our tracks. The devastation from the fires in LA this week has left a profound mark on so many lives—families displaced, communities shattered, and an overwhelming sense of grief and loss.

As leaders, we often feel the pressure to carry on, but moments like these demand a pause. They call us to step back, acknowledge the weight of what’s happening, and create space for others to process, grieve, and heal.

This week’s newsletter is about holding space for humanity in the workplace—offering tools for navigating collective trauma and leading with empathy when people need it most. Let’s honor the pain around us and think about how we can extend compassion and care to our teams, communities, and even ourselves.

Three Ways Leaders Can Support Teams Through Crisis

1. Acknowledge the Reality
   Silence in the face of tragedy can feel isolating. As a leader, acknowledging what’s happening creates space for connection and shared humanity. Be honest with your team—whether it’s a group email or a moment in a meeting—about the impact of the fires and your commitment to supporting them.

Action Step: Start your next meeting with a brief acknowledgment of the situation and invite anyone who feels comfortable to share how they’re doing.

2. Offer Flexibility and Resources
   Tragedy affects everyone differently—some may need space to process, while others may crave normalcy. Offering flexibility (whether it’s remote work, adjusted hours, or extended deadlines) signals to your team that their well-being comes first.

Action Step: Share mental health resources or any internal support your company offers, such as EAPs (Employee Assistance Programs), paid time off, or local support groups.

3. Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
   Leadership in times of crisis isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about being present. Prioritize check-ins, offer reassurance, and foster a sense of community. A small gesture, like sending an email with ways to help or encouraging a team coffee chat, can go a long way.

Action Step: Organize a team volunteer initiative (e.g., donating supplies or funds for affected families) or share ways to contribute individually to relief efforts.

10-Minute Takeaway: A Moment of Reflection for Leaders

In times of collective tragedy, taking a few minutes to ground yourself can help you better support your team. Here’s a simple exercise to center your focus:

1. Acknowledge Your Emotions
   Spend 2 minutes naming what you’re feeling—grief, frustration, helplessness. Write it down without judgment.

2. Reflect on Your Team’s Needs
   Use the next 4 minutes to think about your team. What might they need from you right now? How can you help them feel supported and connected?

3. Commit to One Act of Compassion
   Take the remaining 4 minutes to identify one tangible action you can take today—whether it’s checking in with a colleague, offering flexible deadlines, or sharing resources.

This isn’t about solving everything—it’s about showing up as a safe, steady, and empathetic presence when it’s needed most.

Organizations to Support

Take a moment to support one of these amazing organizations—or explore other ways to support the L.A. community.

• World Central Kitchen

• Pasadena Humane Society

• American Red Cross LA Region

A Dose of Humanity to Fill Your Cup

Thank you for being here. Until next week,

The Humanity Studio Team

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