
18 Nov 2020
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Last Friday marked World Kindness Day, this week is International Leadership week. Many may not have known the two were directly linked, but our experts in leadership and management development at The TCM Group believe kindness to be a fundamental leadership capacity. Especially during the particularly challenging circumstances the present year has handed us. Your leaders are in an influential position to role-model kindness and reap its widespread benefits upon employee wellbeing and engagement.
Many of our most vulnerable have relied upon the genuine kindness of friends and neighbours this year more than they have ever done so before. Such compassion has been essential for access to daily necessities such as food, medicine, and of course, companionship. Open and explicit references to kindness are becoming increasingly common. Have you ever noticed the ‘Be Kind’ messaging on the noticeboards in London Underground stations?
Kindness is hugely beneficial for us all. For a number of reasons:
- It triggers a release of Dopamine, the ‘Happy Hormone’ in our bodies, to make us feel positive and energised.
- It promotes a sense of self affirmation that reinforces self-esteem
- It has also been shown to slow the ageing process!
- Ask for input and encourage employees to contribute to discussions and decision making.
- Remind people their views are valued and respected.
- Be a good listener show team members they are heard in all aspects of life
- Say thank you privately and publicly, to show sincere gratitude for specific achievements and behaviours.
- Provide opportunities for people to share information about their personal circumstances. Be proactive in helping them meet responsibilities at home by offering flexible working arrangements.