It doesn’t hurt…
It doesn’t take much time…
Actually it is quite simple…
And it is always the right thing to do.
What am I talking about?
I am talking about being kind.
Gayle Lasalle wrote a post a number of years ago on my blog titled, “Be a Grateful Leader—Thank You and You’re Welcome Goes a Long Ways!” She tells a simple, but powerful story on kindness with her 3-year-old granddaughter.
She said...
I’ve found it amazing how a simple thank you,” can go a long way. So can a heartfelt “you’re welcome!”
A few years ago, I was having lunch with my 3-year-old granddaughter and her mom. She has been taught to say thank you when someone does something for you.
She said, “thank you” to the waiter who simply walked away. She looked at her mom and said, “He didn’t say you’re welcome”. If a 3-year-old notices, you can be sure others do as well.
Simple and easy enough that a 3-year-old gets it!
I want to encourage leaders everywhere to put kindness at the center of everything they do.
There are great benefits to being a kind leader, including several that are backed by research.
– You may improve the hearts of those you lead - literally. Yes, you heard that right, your followers may actually have better heart health!
– You become more effective as a leader because you are trusted more by those you lead. An unkind boss is usually less trusted than a kind one.
– You strengthen the commitment and loyalty of those you lead to the team and to the organization. People want leaders who are kind, it shows they care.
– You inspire your followers to go out of their way to be helpful and friendly to other employees. Your kindness can create a culture of kindness.
Aung San Suu Kyi once said, “Even the briefest touch of kindness can lighten a heavy heart. Kindness can change the lives of people.”
So try a little kindness. It matters.
I hope your weekend is filled with kindness!
Michael |
