One crucial lesson that has stuck with me since childhood is the significance of being kind in all interactions, whether in a professional or social setting. Kindness plays a pivotal role in building relationships, fostering clarity, and yielding numerous other advantages. But what does kindness specifically entail in a business context?
Being kind in a professional capacity means being adaptable in your approach, understanding of others’ perspectives, and empathetic to their circumstances. While “empathy” might be a more precise term, the goal here is to distill a valuable life lesson. Everyone appreciates colleagues and managers who exhibit kindness. Strive to be the person who can bring a smile to others’ faces at the beginning of each workday. You don’t have to be a social butterfly or excessively upbeat to be perceived as kind. The key lies in attentive listening.
When a colleague expresses a concern, make a sincere effort to listen and comprehend their viewpoint. While offering potential solutions is valuable, refrain from becoming defensive if your suggestions don’t align with their expectations. Positivity alone may not resolve an issue, but it can aid in promoting clearer thinking. As clarity prevails, solutions are more likely to emerge organically. Even during casual conversations, active listening is essential. By remembering incidental details shared during such exchanges, you signal to your coworkers that you value them and their input, as you should.
Admittedly, maintaining a positive demeanor consistently can be challenging. It is acceptable to have days where you might feel low on energy and require time to vent any frustrations. Nevertheless, one of the additional benefits of demonstrating kindness to your colleagues is that it often fosters reciprocal kindness.
