Based on the Confucian philosophy, all humans have a good nature and act instinctively with goodness . Even though this idea can be refuted, I find it extremely important to apply it to modern organizations that have to rely on trust and collaboration between teams, employees and clients.

This trust requires people to better understand how humans react and also how each individual feels. Feelings are often difficult to understand and to transform into rational ideas, therefore they cause different reactions according to time, people involved and context.

In order to better manage people and complex situations, it is very important for leaders to understand the for basic human feelings that support the main idea that we are all good in nature:

1. Feeling of Compassion

People genuinely care about others, as well as about themselves. Often we use our own set of values to evaluate how others behave which can lead to judgement of other people’s actions, but let’s be clear… Everyone has good intention in nature.

In modern organizations, we should show more compassion and extend our support proactively when we see teams, customers or individuals struggling to cope with the pressure or with the complexity and volume of their activities… and remember, it should be natural for us.

2. Feeling of Shame

It’s probably one of the feelings that we try to hide the most, but still, we can’t avoid feeling shame when we do something wrong.

Shame can be a very powerful feeling and that’s why we should be very conscious of it, both when we feel it or when we perceive it in others.

Be very mindful when giving feedback to people or when judging actions and consciously understand this feeling.

3. Feeling of Compliance and Deference

Since the dawn of mankind, we have been living in groups, tribes, societies, teams, etc. In a group, we tend to focus on our role, position within that group and what are the relations between the individuals involved. This combinations defines how we act.

In many current environments, the team settings are more flexible and roles tend to adapt more frequently, therefore, we have to be extra careful to not let people uncertain about their role, otherwise, they will naturally try to define their own space and establish their relationship structures.

4. Feeling of Right and Wrong

We all can differentiate between right and wrong… that’s human nature, but the definition of what is right and wrong can differ from person to person and it is very much influenced by our cultural and social environment.

When dealing with difficult situations, make sure you clarify your definition of right and wrong and agree with the people that have to work with you on a common set of values.

Once this is achieved, you can be sure that everyone will try to make it right and they will also recognize once that have done something wrong.