Stop being Nice,
so you can start being Kind.
7 proven ways to lead with kindness at work - in collaboration with Natalia Cano:
1/ Dare to Give Honest Feedback: Don’t shy away from providing constructive feedback. Kindness means helping others grow, particularly when the truth is hard to hear.
➜Say exactly what can be better, focusing on what they do, not who they are. ➜Be explicit about your expectations. Offer ideas or ways they can improve. ➜Share feedback in a private, respectful way to keep trust strong.
2/ Set Clear Boundaries: Politely but firmly decline unreasonable requests. Being kind includes respecting your own time and energy.
➜Communicate your limits clearly and consistently. ➜Suggest other options if you can’t help out. ➜Prioritize your responsibilities and self-care.
3/ Address Conflicts Head-on: Instead of avoiding disagreements, address them by openly seeking solutions. Kindness is about finding common ground, not sweeping issues under the rug.
➜Stay calm and open-minded when facing conflicts. ➜Listen carefully to understand the other person’s side. ➜Focus on delivering the best outcome vs. who is right.
4/ Practice Empathy: Put yourself in others' shoes. Understanding different perspectives is at the heart of kindness.
➜Show that you get how they feel and care about their concerns. ➜Ask questions to better understand what they’re going through. ➜Be patient and supportive, especially when they’re having a tough time.
5/ Keep it Real: Don’t try to be someone you’re not. True kindness comes from being genuine in your interactions.
➜Be genuine about what you think and feel, even when it’s hard. ➜Don’t exaggerate or sugar-coat the truth. ➜Make sure your actions match your words.
6/ Celebrate Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of your colleagues. Kindness includes lifting others up.
➜Offer sincere recognition, highlighting specific accomplishments. ➜Share their success stories with others and give credit where it’s due. ➜Take part in or organize team celebrations to boost morale.
7/ Lend a Hand: Adopt a mindset of service and support towards others. Kindness is about offering a helping hand without expecting anything in return.
➜Look for ways to help others, even if small. ➜Share your skills or knowledge to help someone overcome a challenge. ➜Follow through when you offer to help, showing you’re reliable.
PS: Kindness is contagious—lead by example.
