Discussing leadership, we often overlook kindness, focusing more on power and wealth. If you want to be remembered well, kindness is a choice for you to make. People often have this notion that harshness is a necessary ingredient for success. I disagree. You can still achieve what you want by being kind. It’s just a matter of choice. You may choose to be an asshole or someone people like.
A Leadership Choice
A little bit of kindness brings more kindness. When you are kind, you influence others to be kind. Imagine leading with a heart full of empathy and an understanding mind. You can then turn the workplace into a thriving, positive space. It’s about choosing to lead with a kind touch, which, believe it or not, ramps up your leadership game!
“You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”
The Misconception of Unkindness
There’s a prevalent misconception that to be successful, one must be tough, even at the expense of kindness. However, success and kindness are not mutually exclusive.
People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
Maya Angelou
Kindness leaves your mark in the realm of leadership. It gently reminds us that success doesn’t demand harshness or insensitivity. It brings a legacy that you can be proud of.
Case Studies
Considering the leadership styles of Steve Jobs, Linus Torvalds, and Gordon Ramsay, it’s compelling to think they might have achieved even greater success with a kinder approach. Jobs’ drive led to technological breakthroughs. I believe a more empathetic style could have inspired creative collaboration. Torvalds, pivotal in the open-source community, could have perhaps drawn a wider array of contributions with a gentler, more inclusive leadership. Lastly, Ramsay built a reputation for harshness. He might have been even more impactful if he balanced with nurturing guidance. It would create a more supportive environment for aspiring chefs.
I think kindness in leadership doesn’t just maintain success. It acts like a catalyst. It creates conditions for a greater collaboration and innovation.
Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.
Mark Twain
In leadership, as in life, one is never too important to be kind. It’s not only about reaching the top but also about lifting others as we climb. Our measure of success lies not just in our achievements, but in the positive difference we make in the lives of others. Being kind is our legacy.