Kind people at work succeed
Kind people at work succeed. Kindness creates longer and more trusting working relationships where both sides are able to eliminate some of the 'due diligence'. It's a shortcut. It creates leeway. It makes things happen.
But lots of people get confused about kindness.
Kindness is often seen as being weak
To be truly kind in some of those difficult moments - to act with a commitment to both truth and grace - takes guts, strength and a great deal of skill.
People confuse being kind with being nice
There's a subtle but important difference. Kindness doesn't shy away from the truth or from a commitment to helping the other person to grow. You'll have heard someone being negatively described as "too nice", whereas "too kind" is only ever a compliment.
So when we think about the need for more kindness at work, we need to reframe it for those at the back.
It's not schmaltzy, soft and cute.
Kindness is authentic, successful and badass.
10 Ways to Show Kindness at Work
If you want to boost kindness in your team and in your workplace, here are some practical ways to act with kindness at work:
Self-Kindness: Kindness starts with you. You can't pour from an empty cup. Ensure you're taking care of your own mental and physical health. It’s so much easier to be kind to others if you’re kind to yourself.
Active Listening: Listen deeply and show genuine interest in your colleagues. Listen to their ideas, concerns, and experiences and also take notice of what is not being said. One of the kindest things we can do for someone is to pay them our fullest attention.
Clear Communication: Be open and honest but also considerate in your communication. Deliver feedback in a constructive, empathetic manner and make sure both parties are on the same page.
Appreciation: Regularly express gratitude. A simple 'thank you' can go a very long way in making someone feel valued and appreciated.
Support: Offer help when you see a colleague struggling. This could be with a simple work task, advice or just lending an ear when they need to talk.
Inclusivity: Promote a culture of inclusivity. Ensure everyone feels heard and valued, regardless of their background or role.
Lead by Example: If you're in a leadership position, your actions set the tone for the entire team. Be the change you want to see and also remember to be humble. Humility is a gift to others and helps us get beyond our own ego when we lead. Great leaders give credit but take responsibility.
Mindfulness: Be mindful of your actions and how they affect others. Small acts of kindness can have a big impact and the same goes for the opposite.
Patience: Everyone has off days. Be patient and understanding with your colleagues, as you would want them to be with you.
Slow down: Take a deep breath. The biggest source of accidental unkindness is busyness.
It often takes a lot of courage to be kind, especially in a professional setting where competition can often overshadow collaboration. By incorporating this guide into your daily work life, you’ll help foster a culture of kindness where everyone feels valued, heard, and respected