Given the turmoil in today’s business environment, are companies spending any time considering the negative impact this economy is having on its associates?
Each day (and night), the global media blasts us all with the latest huge downturn in the stock market, the number of employees who were laid-off and the new unemployment numbers.
It has been said that we are what we think! Well, in today’s business world, it is indeed difficult to think positive thoughts.
Please note, I am a pragmatic business professional and realize that profits are the order of the day. My concern is the impact leaders have on their workforce, which in turn influences how employees behave at home. Negative behavior begets more negative behavior. We all tend to take our business problems home with us.
In their most recent book, “Leading with Kindness,” William Baker and Michael O’Malley contend that corporate kindness positively impacts profits. They identify six traits of a kind leader: compassion, integrity, gratitude, authenticity, humility, trustfulness and humor.
I believe that a kind leadership approach improves morale, employee performance and retention.
Many times, CEOs have difficulty coming to grips with the need to make difficult decisions that negatively impact employees – i.e. reductions in force, plant closings, demotion etc., and executing these needed changes with empathy, and yes, kindness! Being kind is seen as a sign of weakness.
For the most part, employees keenly understand the need to reduce costs. It is the approach and style of the way changes are being communicated, handled and implemented that adds to the stress level of employees and their families.
A Call for Empathy
Now is the time for CEOs to stand up and show their true colors! There is indeed a cry – new for corporate leaders – to demonstrate the fact that they are keenly aware of the impact the current business climate has on its associates (employees). In the truest sense, empathy is putting one’s self in the shoes of others. Making difficult decisions and having empathy are not conflicting leadership characteristics. The question to probe is: Why are top executives uncomfortable showing their human side? My experience as a senior human resource executive and executive coach for more than 30 years is that employees respect decision-makers who acknowledge and truly care about the human side of the business enterprise. In the final analysis, people are indeed the answer to all business challenges.
Corporate Citizenship
Leaders articulate their vision, culture, tradition (in good times and bad times), values (profits, planet and people), and promote a sense of spirit. The goal here is to engender a strong feeling of attachment, fairness, compassion and of course, kindness toward employees. Kindness is the foundation of a people-sensitive culture.
Communication and Collaboration
It is incumbent that corporate leadership step-up communications during tough economic times. Collaborating effectively with team members as to why reductions are necessary. To, in effect, involve them in the actions needed to protect the future of the corporation, is paramount. It is interesting to note that in my experience, good news has many fathers, while bad news is an orphan! Timely and frequent communication combats the company rumor mill and encourages employees to focus on being productive.
The Essence of Life
It is important for leaders to reflect on what we all seek in life. The essence of life is to obtain the truth, to utilize one’s God-given talents, to make a contribution, to be dealt with fairly (and kindly), to grow as a mature person and to have fun.
Given the stresses of today’s business world it is easy to overlook the human element. Employees have very long memories, and they will vividly remember how they are treated during this downturn. The good times will return, the free enterprise system has a bad cold, but it will get well and recover to be even stronger. We must preserve the American ethic!
The Purpose of Kindness
Kindness builds trust and reduces stress. It encourages creativity, humor and a sense of well-being.
Perhaps you will recall the movie “A Few Good Men.” By acting in a kind and sincere manner, the leader is facilitating a positive environment, encouraging open dialogue, and in fact treating the employees with the acceptance that they can “handle the truth.” Kindness influences attitudes, which impacts customer relations and company revenues.
The Power of Being Understood
It has been said that to be understood is a luxury! The power of approaching life with kindness each day is that for the most part, executives will be amazed at the positive reaction they receive from their employees. What we give out, we get back. I am well aware that executives are taught to be tough. However, I submit to you that it takes more courage and self-confidence to show publicly your human side. It is okay for executives to be human. Employees are hungry for leadership that has the human touch! Leaders need to articulate that we all need each other.
The Business World (employees) Is Looking For Leaders Who Care
Without question, the world in general is clearly crying out for more leaders who turn kindness into action. We all hope to encounter those who have found a soul-sized agenda for their lives that is spreading kindness.
The Lebanese poet Kahlil Gibran once said we should do a life’s work that causes us to laugh all our laughter and to cry all our tears.
Kindness is putting yourself on the line. It builds positive energy and positive action. I believe passionately in kindness, and so do you!
Start today to show it. Pass it on … it is contagious!
