John Passante: The Power Of Kindness

Guest Commentary: The Power Of Kindness

Clearly measuring the performance of the leader is understood and paramount to the long-term value of the organization. That said, I submit there is another dimension to leadership that needs to be considered – relationships.

As one views the role and challenge of leading in today’s automotive aftermarket, they live in the world of measurement. And appropriately so.

They are accountable for:

  • Revenue growth
  • Bottom line performance
  • Profit margin improvement
  • Customer relationships
  • R.O.I
  • Year-over-year growth

Clearly measuring the performance of the leader is understood and paramount to the long-term value of the organization. That said, I submit there is another dimension to leadership that needs to be considered – relationships. Indeed, objectives and metrics are important, however, leadership can be unique. On the one hand, it can be dominated by analytics at the cost of human relationships. We have all witnessed this.

The task is to balance analytics and the human side of the business enterprise. Perhaps at first glance, “kindness” may not appear to be a business term… but it is! Leaders who display kindness engage employees more. This results in a higher degree of motivation. Kindness engenders a climate of trust, a sense of belonging, open communications, shared values and encourages creativity and risk-taking.

Kindness gives employees faith in the leader and in the organization during times of challenge and difficulty.

We all belong to a community called life. We have a responsibility to look out for each other. Kindness can help stop bullying and abuse. We all need each other and kindness can and does change people’s outlook. Every action, every word, every interaction affects the lives of the people around us. Let us work to change “me first” to “we first.”

Kindness builds trust and reduces stress. We have seen the affect stress has on individuals and families. As we approach each day, and strive to balance the many pressures we confront, as well as our concerns for the negative and disheartening world events. I ask that you join me, in starting a tsunami of kindness.

It starts with a ripple effect of good deeds. It is a smile, a kind word, a compliment and showing we care. Let us all agree to be carriers of kindness! And spread the bug of kindness. And leave our fingerprints all over the people we touch each day. On this beautiful October afternoon, it is crystal clear to me that there is a shortage of kindness in the world today. Together, we can change that.

Let our legacy be one of kindness. Life is sustained by kindness, and this engenders hope.

You May Also Like

Time to Hit the Road

Outgoing AMN Editor Amy Antenora reflects on her time covering the automotive aftermarket.

Amy Antenora aftermarket news

Twenty years. That’s more than 5,000 business days, roughly 15 AAPEX shows (for me, at least), more than 400 executive interviews and who knows how many article posts.

That’s what my time here at Babcox Media, as Editor of aftermarketNews, looks like in black and white numbers. But that’s not the real measure of what I’ve accumulated over 20 years’ time.

‘The Aftermarket Should Not Fear the Future’

Paul McCarthy flipped the script on vehicle technology and its potential impact on the automotive aftermarket.

The Challenge of Organizational Culture, Post-Covid

The impact of Covid on our society and organizations will not be fully understood for many years.

Four Keys to Creating a Succession Plan That Works

Do you have a plan in place to ensure your business maintains its success after you leave?

Commentary: The Power of Team Spirit

Dr. John A Passante & Dr. Thomas Litzinger share their thoughts on the multiplying benefits of adopting a team spirit.

Other Posts

As Cars Keep Aging, What Will The Future Look Like?

The big issue for the next 22 years is how sensors and software that make driving safer impact vehicle serviceability.

Parts and Artificial Intelligence

In the past 25 years, things have changed with the Internet.

The Mission of Leadership is to Build a Learning Organization

Does your organization make space and time for groundbreaking ideas, innovation and inspiration?

Business Remains a Shared Experience

Relationships, facts, clear consistent communication and guidance are critical touchpoints with employees and customers.