The surprising power of mildness

The surprising power of mildness

In our High Pressure, High Stakes environment, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of daily tasks. However, over the years I have learned that showing up with mildness and postponing judgment can shape a positive and productive working culture. Here are some simple strategies to help you embrace mildness at work.

The Power of Mildness

Showing up with mildness means being patient, listening actively, and being curious about others’ perspectives. It’s about creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard. Here are some strategies that have helped me:

  1. Practice Patience: Take a deep breath before responding, especially in stressful situations.
  2. Listen Actively: Pay full attention to the speaker without planning your response while they are talking.
  3. Turn on your curiosity: Postpone judgement and ask questions to understand better.
  4. Invite Contributions: Encourage everyone to share their thoughts and ideas. Using a simple phrase such as "what else?" or "what may we be missing?" brings diverse perspectives but also makes everyone feel included and valued.

Creating a Solution-Oriented Environment

By showing up with mildness, we create a solution-oriented environment moving from escalation to collaboration. This approach not only enhances team morale but also leads to more innovative solutions.

I love being part of a culture where everyone feels safe to express their ideas and where collaboration thrives. Over the many years that I do my job I have come to learn that it starts with me and that I can help create the ripple effect.


I encourage you to reflect on your interactions and consider how you can bring more mildness into your workplace. Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below. Let’s build a productive work environment together!


Feel free to connect with me to continue this conversation on creating a positive work culture.

Thank you for sharing what you learned, Martine! #WithHeart

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