This is a question I have been asked several times recently. And I must admit, it does feel that way. Although we hear lots of talk about being kind, being eco-conscious and protecting people, it's just that. Talk.
Reality is felt in the action. Currently, the actions aren’t kind, we are still living in a culture very much led by greed, along with a few other of the deadly sins.
Success isn’t about achieving status no matter what the cost.
So, what does kindness in business and the workplace act like?
Empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another
Putting your agenda to one side and offering support to another. Stop, think, feel, how can you help the other person? Certainly, do not force your own agenda on someone when they are struggling i.e. with bereavement for instance, put measures in place to support them, I mean the least you can do is offer your condolences, have you even done that?
Inclusivity – everyone feels valued and included
There’s a lot of policies about equality, every business has them, but they are just documents. Real inclusion is felt by people, are their needs being met and are you able to meet the needs of a diverse workforce and customer base? For instance, have you chastised someone because their productivity is down, or did you first act to see if their needs are being met to fulfil their role?
Trust – a firm belief in the reliability, truth, and ability of someone
Micro-managing is painful and not productive. Providing your colleagues with the trust to allow them to get on with the task at hand nurtures creativity, innovation, and productivity. If someone isn’t hitting the mark, look at your management style, are you giving them the space they need to effectively produce their potential?
Gratitude – the quality of being thankful and the readiness to show appreciation
Saying your please and thank you’s really do go a long way. Don’t ask someone to do something for you and then disrespect them by not showing gratitude, or worse still, having a go at them. That’s a slippery slope to losing their respect for you and their job and your brand. And don’t forget, customers feel the same way!
Feeling valued, being understood, being appreciated, and being believed in, really does make a difference to a human, we are feeling creatures and our emotions play a huge part in how we interact with the world, as employees and customers. Kindness in business and the workplace increases productivity, higher quality, increased engagement, satisfaction and happiness. If you are experiencing a negative culture, despite implementing ‘a culture of kindness’ initiative i.e. a smile policy, then look at the behaviour mechanisms adopted by you and your business are empathy, inclusion, trust and gratitude in action?
You will get no value from someone made to feel valueless and value doesn’t come in the form of a heart shaped cookie once a month on their desk, it comes everyday in the form of a positive effective relationship. How you and your business behave affects your colleagues and customers.
Choosing kindness is the right thing to do but can be the difficult option, are you brave enough to be kind?
At the end of the day businesses with a reputation for being kind are more likely to succeed!
michelle@kindcurrency.co.uk
www.kindcurrency.co.uk