Creating Kind And Kinder Leaders
Sonia McDonald
CEO & Founder @ LeadershipHQ - Future, Emerging & Women Leadership Experts | Global Keynote Speaker | Award-Winning Author | Extraordinary Leaders & Executive Coach | Leadership Advisor
There is strength in kindness and leading with kindness should be the way of life when it comes to being a leader or even a human being. I’m a firm believer in the fact that we need more kindness in the world. Kinder people and kinder leaders make for a kinder world to live and work in. Because what we don’t always realise is that people remember every kind act you do and every kind word you speak. As well as the bad.
It has always been my mantra to be a brave and kind leader, so that I can empower other brave and kind leaders around me and across the world. It’s disappointing to me when some people view kindness as being a weak trait when it comes to leadership qualities. But kindness doesn’t mean you have to be a doormat and let people walk all over you.
I have seen for myself what kindness can do for great leaders and those who look up to those leaders. Being kind makes for happier and more productive employees, and it’s a known fact that kindness also makes us feel happier. Now, more than ever, kind leaders are vitally needed in the workplace. I see kindness as a strength for leaders. Kind leaders are self-aware, compassionate, generous, patient, empathetic, grateful, authentic, and decent. These are the kinds of leaders who stand out, the ones who are always kind to colleagues and employees, who promote growth and empower others to be the best they can be. Sometimes a kind word and an ear can go a long way towards making a colleague or employees day even better.
As well as promoting a positive workplace, being a kind leader can stop some people from creating a toxic work environment. Everyone is different and unfortunately some workplaces can have issue with employees being harassed, bullied, or blame other people for their mistakes. However, by leading with kindness you can help those who may be feeling down as a result of bullying to feel better about themselves and the work they do, as well as cause other employees to reevaluate their behaviour and maybe stop toxic behaviours.
It’s a known fact that kind leaders get better results because when employees are working for a leader who empowers and motivates them, they want to be more productive, they take more care when it comes to their work, they provide positive feedback, and they are kind to other employees, coworkers, and colleagues. You will also make the organisation more appealing to job seekers looking to start their career under a kind and courageous leader, as well as retain current employees and stop that pool of talent from going elsewhere or to your competitor for work.
So how can you lead with kindness? By being aware of how you treat others. When was the last time you thanked an employee or coworker? When was the last time you told someone “Well Done” or “Great Job”? You can even start a conversation about kindness with your team and see what the feedback is like, which will give you an insight into how you can improve or become kinder. We can always be a little kinder to other people. Whether it’s the person in the office next to yours who is always a little standoffish until they have their morning coffee or the young lady at the café down the street who preps your lunch for you. Kindness makes the world go around and when you are kind to someone, the chances are they will be kind to the next person they encounter, which creates a ripple effect.
Here Are My?Seven Laws For Being A Kind Leader:
So, let’s be kinder leaders because being a kinder leader will pave the way to more kinder leaders. Let’s continue to encourage and cheer on this generation, the next generation of kind leaders and start a kindness trend that never stops rolling.
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Find out more at -
https://www.outstandingleadershipawards.com.au/eventer/courage-conference/
https://www.outstandingleadershipawards.com.au/awards-2021-2/
https://www.leadershiphq.com.au
https://www.mcdonaldinc.com.au
https://www.soniamcdonald.com.au
Merry Xmas with love, leadership and kindness,
Sonia x
Creator of visualsynopsis.com and GLAS Method?. CEO of The GLAS Group. Building confidence and clarity
2 年Thank you David McLean, MA (Leadership) CHRL for tagged me in on this vital subject - thank you Sonia McDonald (Dickson) for highlighting the need for balance! It has to begin with self-kindness. How we lead begins with how we lead ourselves. We know that a lack of kindness is judgement, but equally when we lose sight of true and balanced kindness we end up in depletion. Over a 5 year research project that researched kindness and leadership, the need for greater understanding of what it is (and isn't) is vital. We need to address the real issues starting with language and perception. As you highlighted, Sonia, it is often seen as fluffy and weak. This link may be of interest - with the research and report being available freely https://glasmethod.com/inspire-kindness
LinkedIn Top Voices in Company Culture USA & Canada I Executive Advisor | HR Leader (CHRO) | Leadership Coach | Talent Strategy | Change Leadership | Innovation Culture | Healthcare | Higher Education
2 年Brilliant Sonia McDonald (Dickson) Dani Saveker SHELLY ELSLIGER, PPCC, EDI Cert.
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2 年You do not have to give up being a strong leader by being kinder. In fact you will level out your effective leadership by being kind.