Above all else ... be kind

Be Kind

LinkedIn is the modern way to keep in touch professionally with people that you would otherwise lose contact with, or even connect with people that you would otherwise not meet. It a good place to share what's happening in a professional sense and to find opportunities or even find help.

I am no great fan of the (all too many) posts that recycle and regurgitate well known and wise quotes or sayings in a way that adds no great value other than to send them round the track a few more times and give all and sundry the chance to like them to either A) create an on-line aura of righteousness or B) have a subtle dig at their current situation (whatever that may be). Yes. And don't give me that "whatever do you mean" look - you know.

Yet, despite all of that, I am going to focus on three of the aforementioned quotes/sayings that everyone will recognise....... and that stand the test of time.

"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel"

"In a world where you can be anything... be kind"

"no act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted"

Kindness is a behaviour and an attitude. It is a conscious choice. We can all choose to be kind; either occasionally, specifically, or most of the time. Let's be clear. It is a CONSCIOUS choice that we can all make. It does not take much effort. Often none.

As we hurtle through every day, it's easy to let our subconscious manage our life - our biases come along for the ride and our emotions are driven by these. Sometimes a pause to over-ride our subconscious is what is needed for an act of kindness. Conversely, not being kind can also be a conscious or logical choice; which may be entirely appropriate. But where being kind is appropriate then why not consciously make the effort.

Kindness is not only about being warm, gentle and caring. In part it might be. As virtuous as these things may be, they alone won't cut it in the modern world of business and life. It's about being fair, generous (helping people, giving people time and space, and support), being considerate, really listening, recognition and protection.

Have I gone soft in my dotage? No.

Are my rose tinted spectacles denying me the chance to see things clearly? Don't I recall all the bad stuff that (inevitably) happened along the way? Possibly. However, whatever you must do, at least do it with kindness; and whatever you choose to do, be as kind as possible. I accept sometimes that might equate to .... not at all.

Kindness does not preclude getting on with being a leader and running a business or team. Things have to get done. Being kind doesn't mean being soft or avoiding difficult decisions or conversations. Sometimes kindness comes heavily disguised. Being kind does mean that you consider the effect of your action on others and act in a way that minimises the negative impact or increases the positive impact on them.

Is kindness a trait of a good leader? Yes. Does that mean that all good leaders are kind? Not completely. Kindness is not purely a leadership trait. It is not confined to business. It's a personal trait.

So let's revisit those three well-worn sayings...

"People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel". Make someone's day, make them feel a million dollars, make them feel appreciated, make them feel good. Say thank you. Kindness is about the impact that your actions have on people. Empathy therefore helps.

"In a world where you can be anything... be kind" why not stop and think before you say or do something about how you can make the message or impact better. Be kind. It's an attitude and a conscious decision that we all can make.

"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted" Is it ever a waste to make people feel good - not in my book. Here's one for the CFOs of the world (a group not universally admired for their people skills - sorry guys). There is a huge ROI on kindness - better people, better motivation, improved results, less staff turnover, greater retention. So make an investment ... start with today.

If you take nothing more away from this. ..... Above all else ... be kind.