Why Should I Be Kind And Caring?

Kindness makes our world a better place

We live in an often cynical, cruel world.

We see daily how unkind and hurtful others can be.

If we let ourselves, we can begin to think this is the way to get ahead in the world. We can start to tell ourselves we, too, need to act in unkind and overly aggressive ways.

However, kindness and compassion are the hallmarks of great leaders, lasting friendships, and fulfilling lives.

Lesson to Learn

Each day we make dozens of decisions.

Many of them involve how we interact with others. When we choose to be kind and caring, we change the very nature of the interaction. It becomes something different — and better.

We create building blocks to a better future in the ways we interact with others.

This sets a tone and creates a culture that surrounds us and others. Leaders who demonstrate kindness and compassion are more than listened to — they are respected and followed.

We can all become individual leaders who care and are kind. We certainly need more of that in our world today.

Answer for Me

I started my career as an Army Officer.

The military can be a tough place, and the work is demanding.

Fortunately for me, I was a junior officer to many outstanding commanding officers who taught me the concepts of self-sacrifice, compassion, hard work, and caring.

These were not weak leaders.

My mentors showed me they could be kind while being firm, and still achieve important outcomes.

I learned by watching and practicing alongside them. I have never forgotten these lessons, and still aspire to be more like them. It takes work to be kind.

It takes extra effort to see how others are doing and to understand what they are thinking. It is a gift to be kind, just as it is to receive kindness.

Action

Seek to be kind toward others.

You will be more effective if you learn how to both achieve results and express kindness and caring.

When you care for others, you are building a long-term relationship that will assist both parties well into the future. Pay kindness forward.

As a leader, you will still need to make tough decisions and ask for results. Kindness is a tool for getting things done.

Slowing down and evaluating how you are doing your work is vital. Ask yourself key questions.

How did I behave in the moment? Did I slow down to truly listen? Was I harsh? Should I apologize? Is my relationship better or worse because of how I acted?

Kindness is a choice worth making to build a life of companionship and results.

Daily Habits

Each moment offers a new opportunity to start over. Slow down and listen more. Get feedback from those you work with.

Each moment of each day, you can choose to be kinder and more caring.

Find ways to incorporate good ideas and move forward.

Applaud the work of others and thank them for their efforts.

Be available in the moment of need when others share their struggles with you.

These are the little, caring, kind ways we act each day that define who we are as leaders and individuals.

Do you want more insights?

To learn more about leadership, visit me at www.macny.org.

To get a copy of my book Present-Future Leader, go to www.amazon.com.