As the pace of work increases, the corporate conversation can often prioritise profits and aggressive decision-making, overshadowing values like compassion, kindness, and wisdom. Films offer a unique way of giving us the space to step back and reflect on these deeper human values, helping us check in on our alignment with purpose. By drawing us out of our everyday lives, they create opportunities for reflection and insight.Two films that vividly highlight the importance of human-centric values in leadership are 12 Angry Men (1957) and Erin Brockovich (2000). These films remind us that compassion, wisdom, and empathy in leadership will enhance the quality of decision-making, foster ethical business practices, and ultimately lead to better outcomes for both companies and communities.
Compassion and Wisdom: Insights from 12 Angry Men
12 Angry Men is a powerful exploration of group dynamics, empathy, and the weight of decision-making. Although set in a jury room rather than a corporate boardroom, the film serves as a metaphor for corporate governance. The story portrays how one juror, through calm reflection and compassionate reasoning, persuades the others to reconsider their initial biases and hastily-made decisions.
In the corporate context, the film’s message is clear: boardroom decisions have far-reaching consequences. Leaders who practise compassion and wisdom, listening to diverse opinions and carefully considering the ethical implications of their choices, can foster environments where more thoughtful, just, and effective decisions are made. This not only builds trust within the organisation but also creates a foundation for sustainable success, as stakeholders feel valued and respected.
Kindness and Compassion: Lessons from Erin Brockovich
While 12 Angry Men focuses on wisdom and reflection, Erin Brockovich highlights the role of kindness in confronting unethical corporate behaviour. Based on a true story, the film follows Erin Brockovich, who, through sheer determination and compassion for a community harmed by corporate negligence, secures a major legal victory for the affected individuals.
Erin’s story demonstrates the power of kindness and compassionate leadership. Her ability to connect with the people suffering from corporate wrongdoing drove her persistence in seeking justice. In the business world, this translates to leadership that extends beyond shareholder interests to consider the wider societal impact of decisions. Effective leaders who take time to reflect, recognize that corporate actions affect not only the bottom line but also the lives and well-being of communities, customers, and employees.
Research on Compassion: Compassion is Commercial
Increasingly, research demonstrates that compassion is both a human virtue and a commercial asset. Leaders who exhibit compassion foster environments of trust, employee engagement, and long-term success. Far from being a “soft skill”, compassion has tangible benefits in business contexts.
A 2020 study from Harvard Business Review highlights that compassionate leadership results in greater employee engagement, higher morale, and better organisational performance. Employees who feel valued by their leaders are more likely to be committed and contribute meaningfully to company goals. Compassionate leadership fosters innovation and adaptability during crises—skills critical for navigating today’s unpredictable business landscape (Hougaard, Carter, & Afton, 2020).
Further supporting the case for compassion, a 2024 report by the Global Charter for Compassion highlights that organisations that adopt compassionate practices see lower staff turnover rates and reduced healthcare costs due to improved mental health and well-being among employees. Compassionate workplaces encourage open communication, reduce stress, and significantly improve job satisfaction and productivity (Reeder & Matos, 2024).
The commercial value of compassion lies in its ability to build trust, improve employee engagement, and create more resilient organisations.
In short, compassion is commercial.
Bringing Compassion, Kindness, and Wisdom into the Boardroom
The lessons from 12 Angry Men and Erin Brockovich are simple yet profound: compassion, and wisdom are strengths in corporate governance. These values enable leaders to make ethical, thoughtful, and inclusive decisions. They foster corporate cultures where employees feel valued, stakeholders trust leadership, and businesses thrive by positively impacting society.
Incorporating these values into boardroom dynamics requires intentional action.
Leaders can cultivate environments where diverse voices are heard; decisions are made with empathy; and long-term wisdom is prioritised over short-term gains. As seen in both films and supported by research, these human values are essential for fostering trust, supporting ethical decision-making, and ensuring long-term corporate success.
Reflection Questions for Leaders
- In moments of high pressure, how do I ensure that I remain compassionate and consider all viewpoints before making a decision? Reflect on how 12 Angry Men showcases the value of understanding differing opinions.
- Am I leading with empathy, especially in situations where my decisions affect the lives of others beyond shareholders? Consider how Erin Brockovich demonstrates the importance of caring about the broader impact of corporate decisions.
- Do I encourage wisdom in my boardroom by balancing short-term financial pressures with long-term ethical considerations? What strategies can I implement to bring wisdom into decision-making processes?
- How can I create an environment in my organisation that fosters trust, kindness, and open communication? Reflect on how a compassionate leader builds trust and support within their teams, as seen in both films.
- What practices can I introduce to prioritise ethics and empathy in my leadership and decision-making processes? Explore how these films inspire leaders to go beyond profitability and embrace ethical governance.
By engaging regularly with reflection questions we can navigate the complexities of the modern corporate world with compassion, kindness, and wisdom at the forefront of our strategies.
References
Hougaard, R., Carter, J., & Afton, S. (2020). Compassionate leadership is necessary—but not sufficient. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2020/12/compassionate-leadership-is-necessary-but-not-sufficient
Journal of Corporate Governance. (2021). The role of empathy in ethical decision-making and fostering a culture of trust. Journal of Corporate Governance. Retrieved from https://corporategovernance.org
Reeder, L., & Matos, M. (2024). Future directions in compassion science. Global Charter for Compassion & Global Compassion Coalition.