Good morning and I hope this finds you well.

I've been engaged in some great coversations with various people about 'compassion' and what that might look like in 21st century terms in major cities. (Please have a look at www.charterforcompassion.org)

One of the challenges I think for leaders is how to be compassionate in the workplace. For example, some years ago I was working with an organization with a strong religious affiliation. We had been hired to do some management development with the management group. It struck me that an important question for the group as we began was, if as Christians, we are to 'turn the other cheek', how can we as managers fire someone? How does 'compassion' fit in with the real life of the workplace?

I think that compassion can include firing someone, if we believe deep down that it is in their best interests too. For example, if they are not engaged or challenged in the job, and would likely find different work and a different work environment more healthy. That said, I remain curious, is there room for compassion in the workplace today? What do you think?

My hope this week is that we all find compassion in our lives, and most especially where we work.