The Value of Kindness at Work
Cathie Leimbach • July 16, 2024
Kindness at work isn't just a feel-good notion; it's a powerful tool for fostering a positive workplace culture and improving productivity. When kindness is practiced, it creates a ripple effect, leading to happier employees, increased morale, and enhanced teamwork. Here are three ways to show kindness at work:
- Express Appreciation: Take the time to acknowledge and thank your colleagues for their contributions. A simple "thank you" or a note of appreciation can go a long way in making someone feel valued.
- Offer Support: Be there for your coworkers during challenging times. Whether it's lending a listening ear, offering assistance with a project, or providing guidance, showing empathy and support can make a significant difference.
- Practice Active Listening: Truly listen to your colleagues without judgment or interruption. Show genuine interest in their ideas and concerns, and validate their feelings. This fosters open communication and builds trust among team members.
By incorporating kindness into our daily interactions at work, we create a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
What separates thriving companies from struggling ones? 🤔 Professor Lynda Gratton from London Business School spent decades studying this exact question. Her findings will change how you think about leadership. Here's what she discovered: Organizations that invest in developing collaborative leaders consistently outperform their competitors. Not by a little—by a lot. Through her groundbreaking study of 21 global companies and 200+ executives, Gratton identified the three game-changing elements: ✅ Cooperative culture - Moving from "me vs. you" to "we together" ✅ Rich networks - Breaking down silos so ideas flow freely ✅ Shared purpose - Giving work meaning beyond the paycheck The results speak for themselves: → Better innovation → Higher employee engagement → Stronger financial performance Companies that train managers to be collaborative leaders (not just bosses) create environments where teams actually want to work together. My takeaway? Leadership development isn't a "nice to have"—it's your competitive advantage. When leaders learn to cooperate and inspire others, entire organizations transform. What's your experience with collaborative leadership? Have you seen this play out in your organization? Want to dive deeper? View Three Pillars of Success which breaks down how to produce measurable results in innovation, efficiency, and engagement.
In leadership, hope may spark positivity—but trust is what sustains it. Trust means your team believes you’re honest, reliable, and truly have their best interests in mind. Without it, people hesitate to share ideas, take risks, or fully engage. Great leaders build trust through consistent actions. They follow through on promises, admit mistakes, and lead with transparency. They listen without judgment, treat everyone with respect, and make decisions that are fair and thoughtful. When leaders communicate clearly and regularly—even when the news is tough—they create a culture of openness. When they give credit generously and support their team both publicly and privately, trust grows even deeper. Over time, trust becomes the foundation for loyalty, collaboration, and high performance. People feel safer, more motivated, and more willing to contribute at their best. Trust doesn’t happen overnight. But with patience, consistency, and care, leaders can build it—and with it, a stronger, more positive workplace.