3 Ways that Kindness Makes You a Better Leader

It’s a shame that we still see people regarding kindness as weakness, whether at work or in life. The old adage, “Treat others as you’d like to be treated.” has stuck around all these years because, quite simply, it’s fantastic advice! Even when you don’t agree with someone, what have you got to lose by being kind? What’s so bad about being kind? You make those around you (and yourself) happier! Happier people also work harder, and isn’t that what any good leader wants for their team?

Oxford University researchers analysed hundreds of papers that examined the link between happiness and kindness and found 21 studies that prove without a doubt that we’re happier when we’re being kind to others. A University of Warwick study also showed that those who are happy at work are 12% more productive than those who are unhappy. So, how can we use this knowledge to improve our leadership? How do we become more effective leaders by being kind, even when we’re in an unpleasant situation?

I’ve put together this list of 3 ways that kindness will help you elevate your leadership:

1.  Improve your relationships with kind correction

One of the less pleasant parts of being a leader is having to have those tough conversations with team members who aren’t meeting expectations; a great leader genuinely wants to help others improve, but these conversations aren’t usually looked at as being kind due to the lack of relationship between the leader and the team member.

By being sincerely kind and demonstrating your desire to help your employees do better, you’re going to build a much stronger relationship than a leader who doesn’t inspire trust because of a ‘harsh’ demeanour.

2. Seeking and appreciating others’ opinions leads to new ideas

When you’re genuinely kind, it makes sense that you’re going to find it easier to network and make more solid connections, right? And it goes even deeper than that: research shows that 72% of award-winning projects involved people reaching out to those not in their inner circle and talking to them and asking them questions. By valuing the opinions of those around you, even if they don’t know anything about your current project or dislike or disagree with parts of it, you’re displaying kindness - and gaining a new perspective on ways to improve your project.

3. Recognition is a high-ranking motivator among employees that inspires great results

Genuinely and sincerely recognising your team members when they do great work is not only incredibly motivating, but by appreciating and celebrating their efforts you’re also being kind! Global research from the O.C. Tanner Institute (who are partners in our Outstanding Leadership Awards) revealed that the employees they surveyed placed recognition above all else when asked what their company or boss could give them as motivation to achieve better results. It was placed above things like promotions, autonomy, training and pay increases - which shows that appreciation is not only kind but also inspirational!

When you start treating others with kindness, you’re spreading positivity and opening yourself up to the benefits it brings, in life and in your leadership. You cannot effectively lead and motivate your team without kindness, and it’s important that you keep this in mind at all times.

I’m going to end this blog with one of my favourite quotes about kindness, and I love how it applies to leadership as well:

"Because that's what kindness is. It's not doing something for someone else because they can't, but because you can." Andrew Iskander

By Sonia McDonald

Founder and Managing Director of Leadership HQ and McDonald Inc. Leadership coach, entrepreneur, CEO and author. 

Sonia McDonald is changing the face of leadership across the globe. She believes we should lead with kindness and courage, from the heart, and is known for her mantra ‘Just Lead’. She leads by example in all these areas and through her transformational coaching, leadership training programs and cultural transformation for organisations and encourages others to do the same. Sonia has helped thousands of people on their leadership journey to become the best version of themselves and in turn, inspire and bring out the best in others.

Sonia is a founder and CEO of McDonald Inc., LeadershipHQ and Global Outstanding Leadership Awards and the newly launched Courage Conference. For more than 25 years, Sonia has been on the front lines of leadership and she is beyond committed to her mission around building a world of great leaders.

She has held leadership positions worldwide and through experience, research and study come to realise what it takes to be a truly great leader. She has been recognised by Richtopia as One of the Top 250 Influential Women across the Globe and Top 100 Australian Entrepreneurs.

Sonia has an ability to speak bravely and authentically about her own development as a leader, personal and career challenges in a way which resonates with her audience. She is a leading coach, an award-winning published author of newly released First Comes Courage, Leadership Attitude and Just Rock It! and has become an in-demand keynote speaker on leadership, kindness and courage.

Sonia has become recognised for her commentary around the topic of leadership, kindness, empathy and courage as well as building outstanding leadership across the Globe.