Compassion – to be in sympathy with – harmony is part of the etymology of the word.

A leader, an effective leader, must have compassion, in a true sense, for those he/she leads. Any sports team enjoys greater success when all the members of the team are in harmony with one another. A business enjoys a more pleasant working environment when all the employees work in harmony. A classroom enjoys more academic success when all members, including the teacher, are in sync. A compassionate leader knows those led, can identify with them, and can sympathize with them as members of a team and as individuals. On a global level, compassionate leaders can create a more harmonious, peaceful world by knowing, understanding, and sympathizing with neighboring peoples. All beings have the right to exist in a harmonious world, and leaders must strive to create such a world. A pond left alone has a glass-like face that reflects the Universe of which it is a part. It is only when it is disturbed by wind, rain, falling debris, or thirsty, playful or exploring creatures that the mirror is fractured.