Well said! Based on my experience, this is the fundamental missing link in leaders that struggle to connect. People want kind and competent leaders and it is not only possible but necessary to have both. Leadership is the business of people. And everyone can use a little extra kindness in their life. People remember how you made them feel. Kindness is magic.
It seems so easy for all of us - leaders included - to fall prey to the temptation of instrumentality - seeing another person as simply a means to an end. It takes wisdom, practice, and commitment to see others in their full humanity. From there, extending kindness flows more naturally.
Great question. I think in general kindness can feel rare because many people live in a place of pain and cannot find the energy to express kindness. In leaders, kindness may be rare because ego is getting in the way and/or being out of touch of how to truly connect with others through warmth and kindness. Plus we tell leaders they should be powerful and “in control” and that might lead to them taking a serious and dominant role. I wonder what could change in the most competent leaders if they added a stroke a kindness. I would bet it would be a game changer for their level of impact. Curious others thoughts on this...
Kindness is critical, but discussing kindness is equally important. Subconsciously the population attributes kindness with weakness because as a society we have been taught to adopt this thought patten.
What would happen if leaders talked about being kind, but not weak?
What if this approach became a set expectation for each of their reports?
The result could produce two powerful sides of the same coin. The employee will recognize their own kindness and strengths, and in turn begin to recognize the kindness and strengths of their leader. Kindness in silence is like that tree falling in the dessert. Did it really happen? Let's talk about it. Let's grow others, not just ourselves. Exceptional article, team. Well done! Keep them coming!
Well said! Based on my experience, this is the fundamental missing link in leaders that struggle to connect. People want kind and competent leaders and it is not only possible but necessary to have both. Leadership is the business of people. And everyone can use a little extra kindness in their life. People remember how you made them feel. Kindness is magic.
Why do you think it is as rare as it is?
It seems so easy for all of us - leaders included - to fall prey to the temptation of instrumentality - seeing another person as simply a means to an end. It takes wisdom, practice, and commitment to see others in their full humanity. From there, extending kindness flows more naturally.
Media bias - and wrong portrayal that strong leaders are tough and need to make trade offs.
Great question. I think in general kindness can feel rare because many people live in a place of pain and cannot find the energy to express kindness. In leaders, kindness may be rare because ego is getting in the way and/or being out of touch of how to truly connect with others through warmth and kindness. Plus we tell leaders they should be powerful and “in control” and that might lead to them taking a serious and dominant role. I wonder what could change in the most competent leaders if they added a stroke a kindness. I would bet it would be a game changer for their level of impact. Curious others thoughts on this...
Kindness is critical, but discussing kindness is equally important. Subconsciously the population attributes kindness with weakness because as a society we have been taught to adopt this thought patten.
What would happen if leaders talked about being kind, but not weak?
What if this approach became a set expectation for each of their reports?
The result could produce two powerful sides of the same coin. The employee will recognize their own kindness and strengths, and in turn begin to recognize the kindness and strengths of their leader. Kindness in silence is like that tree falling in the dessert. Did it really happen? Let's talk about it. Let's grow others, not just ourselves. Exceptional article, team. Well done! Keep them coming!