How to Lead with Kindness

Kindness is good for business. Another “there, I said it” moment. If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that kindness matters above all else.

And I stand by it – kindness is good for business. Happy people are more productive, period. Not to mention that a happy, engaged team is one who are likely to stick around longer. Kindness is a huge factor in achieving both of those things.

In the past two years, the modern workplace has been disrupted beyond recognition. Now, during an almighty period of adjustment – which for many is ongoing – the businesses who have thrived are those who have put protecting their people at the forefront. Those who kept in touch with updates during lockdown; who gave reassurance readily; who prioritized their employees’ comfortability in the return to work. Those who have created a psychologically safe workplace by leading with kindness during irrevocably tough times.

It’s something we should all endeavour to do. So the question is, how exactly do you lead with kindness?

1.?Lead by listening, hearing and following through

What works for one member of your team may not for another. To lead with kindness, it’s crucial to make sure you give every employee the power and opportunity to speak up when they need to, and to listen when they do so.

Taking the time to really listen to what your team is saying is one thing. Truly hearing them out is the best way to reiterate that their voice matters.

And, finally – words are important, yes. But following through on the words you’ve said and the promises you’ve made is showing true compassion for your staff. It shows them that you stand behind what you say you’ll do, and will be a sure fire way to build trust in?a healthy, psychologically-safe environment.

2.?Forget the old “leave it at the door” attitude

It’s outdated, it’s old fashioned, and it’s antiquated. The moment you begin telling your staff that there’s a distinct divide between their personal and work circumstances, the term “work-life balance” becomes null and void.

Because, the truth is, things that go on outside of work fundamentally do affect things that happen in the workplace. The two are intertwined – in fact, work plays a huge part in many, nay most people’s lives in general. As a manager or business leader, it’s not your job to go finding out what’s going on in your employees’ lives, but to accept and appreciate that people may be going through something.

Leading with kindness means bearing this in mind, always. It means always being cognizant of personal situations, whether it’s something you’re privy to or not. Forgetting the “leave it at the door” attitude doesn’t mean poking your nose into what may be happening in your employees’ personal lives… It means leading in a way that will always make work a safe space, one where breathing room is granted and empathy given readily, as and when you need it.

3.?Make gratitude a priority

Showing gratitude goes a long way, always. It demonstrates that you value their input and their being there. To lead with kindness, make sure you do every employee the kindness of shouting about the contributions they make to the team.

Implement a recognition program. Whether you have the budget for a kudos shout out in the monthly newsletter or something a little more extravagant (i.e. a physical reward quarterly or yearly), it’s truly the thought that counts. Small acts like telling someone, “Hey, you did some great work today – I appreciate you,” can make all the difference.

We practice what we preach here at NLG! We’re under no illusions – our people are our biggest asset, and they’re the reason our clients love us.

If you’d like to discuss staffing solutions from our experts, get in touch today.