A Culture of Kindness

Instead of focusing on building a culture of prestige and notability, all organizations must first hold a strong foundation of kindness.

As I was growing up, people have been warning me about those who are two-faced, I never understood the concept until I reached a certain chapter of my life. It is so unfortunate to have to force oneself to build this stone-cold identity that is believed to be seen "confident" or "assertive" when human naturally seeks for love and comfort. Why has this been adapted? Google shared a research on how being nice can positively impact an organization's productivity. I hope nice (in that research) is also defined as being kind. If that so - why does there need to be proof that being kind actually benefits the greater community?

Be kind to your clients

Customer service can be underestimated because sales is all that jazz nowadays. I believe they go hand in hand - if you are not aware of what your customers need and not able to intuitively grasp their ideal approach in attaining it then how would you know how to communicate that? Having 4 years of experience in Scotiabank as a teller, I am grateful for having experienced a diverse set of customers whom I have built relationships with that I have learned the art of customizing my perspective and language when talking to different types. It is quite interesting and almost magical to witness myself how some prefer speed over a chat and vice versa or a softer voice over firmness and vice versa.

Customers - no matter who they are - are still human beings. They have emotions so do not let the label tell you otherwise. What I am trying to say is that do not treat them as transactions. Say "hi, how are you? how is your day so far?" and most importantly, have eye contact and learn how to smile. If you look at the bigger picture, everyone you face is your customer because they get to experience your character in that interaction that you will have. I am not telling everyone to be an open book and hide their problems rather stay engaged and show that you care (hopefully knowing that you truly do) because without them, you will not be where you are. If they don't smile back, do not be disappointed because your smile still benefits you. :)

Be kind to one another

Kindness should not only be shown to clients but also to your co-workers because as they say, happy employees result to happy customers. The notion that "customers are always right" is almost projected in any company - especially when the focus is to be heard and noticed by all; however, this is not a healthy practice because not only will your workers get burnt out but your customers will have unrealistic expectations of what you can offer.

I am a strong believer in having a healthy mind and soul. It is optimal to work in an environment where people care not only for their own work being recognized but also care for each other's well-being (physical, mental, and emotional) as this will allow any team achieve great heights of productivity. A voice must not only encouraged to be expressed but also be heard by all with open hearts and minds.

It must not a competition because if we look internally, we are all looking to ensure company growth and progress to not only keep our jobs but to stay satisfied that we are serving a greater purpose in the world - whether your company offers financial advice, education, consultation, technical solutions, food and hospitality, or service. It does not matter, a team is a team - one for all and all for one. Have some respect to each other's emotions - again, we are all human beings, let us not encourage constant ramblings of negative assumptions nor allow the numbness of feelings. Let us not be robots, we have enough of them.

Be kind to your employers

It may seem underrated to show appreciation to your employers. Employers - have a reason for your employees to respect you. See what is fit and communicate effectively where transparency does not equate to generalizing important information that needs to be relayed rather having the heart to sit down with your top employees to ensure they are receiving what they deserve while not forgetting your struggling employees to ensure they are not only being given equal treatment in training and development opportunities but also told honestly that they are not ready to take on bigger roles. What hurts more than rejection is uncertainty and lack of appreciation.

Once you have a good idea that that is being delivered, sit down and pat yourself in the back. You have just light up the fireworks that will drive your employees to continuously seek for growth, whether that it within the roles given to them or to go above and beyond.

Employees - recognize your employers are also human beings. Have conversations that about how they feel, what their hobbies are, what music they listen to, how their week went, what challenges they are facing and how you could help.

They also get tired, demotivated, overwhelmed, and hurt. Respect is the key. Do not forget to appreciate all their hard work even if most of it happens behind the scenes. An organization must focus on showing transparent results so that employees would be aware of how their contributions are positively impacting the over-all progress of the company. Employers are not perfect, despite their greater years of experience so learn to forgive if they have tried their best to not repeat the same mistakes made before. Trust the fact that they are where they are because of their competencies, genuine interest on building the organization, and most importantly and hopefully their kind hearts.

Be kind. What are you going to lose: pride? ego? respect from negative people? fame? Trust me - it's not worth your soul's happiness.

To end this, let's all be kind. No matter what. If it is not returned and even used against you, do not ever stop. We are running a marathon, not a sprint. Yay team!