The question I would like to pose: Do kindness and business mix? No doubt mentioning the word in a business meeting may get you funny looks or perhaps even an invitation to leave the room. After all, where does kindness fit into the business strategy?
For one thing, acts of kindness reduce stress. Stress has become synonymous with American workplaces along with tight deadlines and high expectations. High stress affects attitudes, attendance and turnover. Not only is being kind the right thing to do, it is good for business. Would your employees and customers say that you are kind?
Permit me to share a thought on kindness. It is more than a business approach or practice. When we connect with others through an act of kindness, we are fully connected which influences our mood! And we become happy. Thus, we are motivated to do more and to perform at a higher level. Acts of kindness are good for our health and overall well-being.
At times, to me, it appears that the world in general is becoming “meaner” and more unkind. I have observed this in some businesses and witnessed this in some bosses (not leaders). There is no doubt that true kindness and compassion impacts productivity, customer sensitivity and the bottom line. Leaders that display an awareness and concern for people’s hopes, aspirations and challenges are rewarded by employee loyalty and increase performance.
Kindness unlocks the goodness in others. And fosters authentic, honest dialogue and sends a powerful message to the entire organization. On the other hand, being rude, impersonal, inattentive or disinterested is always more expensive in the long run. Employees and customers have very long memories. How would others rate you on the kindness index?
Perhaps now is the time for all of us to live by the ethos, work hard and be kind to people. Kindness is an important factor in retaining employees and customers. A happy workforce results in a good workforce. Indeed, most of us spend the majority of our waking hours at work, which provides us with opportunity to empower others through small acts of kindness.
In today’s high-tech world, initiating genuine human connection (touch) with our associates or customers seems to be viewed as a step above and kind. It is sad that acts of kindness are rare. Our shared goal should be to fill our day with kindness. Kindness has the power to touch our hearts, minds and souls and puts fuel in our tank or go the extra mile — with a smile. Kindness at the end of the day is how we will be recommended by others.
An act of kindness warms our hearts, as well as those who observe it. It is a natural high — a moral elevation. Kindness in life and in business is contagious and encourages us to behave more altruistically towards others.
In my career I have observed examples of both kindness and meanness in business situations. I could not understand the necessity or the rationale for the degree of meanness exhibited. Business is competitive by definition. The quest for results does not justify being unkind. We build our reputation by actions, the most valuable asset of any company or individual.
To me being kind takes less energy than being mean. Being a person of your word is a sign of kindness.
In November 2012, The Wall Street Journal reported that, “The workplace ranks dead last among the places people express gratitude. Only 10 percent of adults say thanks to a colleague every day and just 7 percent express gratitude daily to a boss.”
Kindness lifts people up! Leaders and employees who show kindness also show strength. Showing one’s human side engenders trust and opens the door to building meaningful and productive relationships.
One can be an effective and good leader while being kind. Kindness starts with each of us! Start by being kind to yourself.
Being kind with our words and actions. Being kind when we say no. Being kind is smiling more.
The automotive aftermarket serves a high purpose, which is to keep the American public and industries safely on the road, with the freedom to drive to work, school or church. We strive to make people’s lives easier. As an idealist, I consider this an act of kindness we share a true purpose.
Remember, kindness begets kindness.
