How to Lead as a Woman Physician Series
The Power of Self-Compassion for Leaders
We first introduced the concept of
criticism, and perfectionistic inner
our Inner Critic several articles ago,
critics. First described by Drs. Kristin
the voice of our Saboteur, our inner
Neff and Christopher Germer, self-
gremlin, that puts us down, tells us
compassion is in essence speaking to
we’re not good enough, and feeds our
ourselves as we would a good friend
self-doubt. We also discussed how
or someone we love. Through their
the Inner Critic is a natural and
extensive research, Drs. Neff and
normal part of our experience as
Germer have shown the significant
human beings, and how we can begin
correlation between self-compassion
to think about and approach this
and reduction in depression and
critical, judgmental voice.
anxiety, and improved quality of life and personal relationships (1).
Self-Compassion is a powerful antidote to our self-doubt, self-
So how can incorporating self-
Tammie Chang, MD, LLC
How to Lead as a Woman Physician Series
compassion into our daily lives help us
compassion gives us enough-ness. We
especially as leaders? No matter how
recognize that we are human, that we
hard we may try, our inner worlds
are imperfect, and that perfection is
inevitably become evident to others
unattainable – and undesirable –
around us.
anyways.
When we are hard on ourselves, we
Start by noticing the kinds of phrases
can unknowingly place the same
and thoughts running through your
expectations and judgments on those
head each day. What are your
around us. We can demand unrealistic
thoughts, right now? Are they the
results from others, we can find it
words of a kind and loving friend?
difficult to trust others, and we can become micromanagers, rather than
What would you say to your good
leaders. Have you worked for a
friend, when she’s had a bad day?
micromanaging boss? What was this
When she’s received a negative
experience like for you?
review, or tough feedback? When she felt like she messed up an important
When we come from a place of inner
presentation, or was underprepared
strength and self-compassion, we are
for an important meeting? Or maybe
much more able to extend the same
she made a mistake with a patient
grace and compassion to others. We
that caused a serious adverse event?
are no longer coming from a place of inner turmoil rooted in fear, where we
What would she most need to hear,
feel like an imposter – where we’re not
right now?
good enough, not hard-working enough, and not ready enough.
It’s ok. Mistakes happen. I know
Cultivating a strong sense of self-
you are doing the best you can. It will be
Tammie Chang, MD, LLC
How to Lead as a Woman Physician Series all right. You’re doing the best you can. You’re doing great. Oh well! It’ll go better next time. Whoops! Oh well, it’s ok. I love you. How can you treat yourself with the same love and compassion that I know you strive to give to others? (1) Neff, K. D. (2012). The science of self-compassion. In C. Germer & R. Siegel (Eds.), Compassion and Wisdom in Psychotherapy (pp. 79-92). New York: Guilford Press.
Tammie Chang, MD, LLC
How to Lead as a Woman Physician Series Your Assignment: 1.For the next week, pay attention to the kinds of phrases and words you say to yourself throughout the day. Notice the quality of your thoughts. Are they the words of a compassionate friend? Are they the insidious words of your Inner Critic? 2.Each night, spend 10 minutes journaling. Write down every phrase you remember saying to yourself throughout the day. Don’t take your pen off the page for 10 minutes. Then, go back and read through your words. Are they selfcompassionate? Self-critical? Neither? Based on your learning happening in this Journal / Blog Post Reflection & how it applies to your day-to-day, please capture your reflections here to unlock AMA PRA Category 1 CMEs: https://earnc.me/eonSn9 Email me at info@tammiechangmd.com with questions, any time!! I am here for you friend!
Tammie
Tammie Chang, MD, LLC