Why self-compassion is a superpower for school leaders
Abstract
The focus of this chapter is on ‘the team of one’, exploring the benefits of self-compassion in enabling leaders to thrive. It considers the difference between self-care and self-compassion and looks at how taking the perspective of a compassionate other towards ourselves creates the possibility of flourishing in what is inevitably a pressured role. The chapter deals with how to recognise the early warning signs of burnout and identifies strategies to counter them. In the final section, the chapter advocates for mentoring and becoming part of a community of compassionate leaders.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Stress and Burnout Research
Occupational Health and Burnout
Mindfulness and Compassion Interventions
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Routledge eBooks
- Pages
- 98–116
- Publication date
- 12 March 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter