When I was a little girl, my favorite super hero was Wonder Woman (the Linda Carter version). I had long, dark hair like hers and just knew I could become Wonder Woman if I twirled fast enough…once I was allowed to wear a strapless outfit. I think what appealed to me most about her was how she only fought when it was absolutely necessary and her super powers were not aggressive in nature. I consider myself to be a Wonder Woman today. I often wonder where I put something or what meeting I’m supposed to be at.
What traits lead to good leadership? What are the super powers of leaders? When asked this question, people might say “strength” or “grit” or “toughness” or “determination”. What about “kindness”? Kindness doesn’t usually make the list. Kindness is more often associated with weakness or softness. I want to submit to you today that kindness IS an element of strong leadership, and intentional kindness is an element of even stronger leadership.
Kindness is being friendly, generous, or considerate without the expectation of receiving something in return. It demonstrates that you care about your fellow human. INTENTIONAL kindness demonstrates not only that you are seeing to it that someone is cared for, but that you genuinely care ABOUT them (their well-being, their success, their value).
Mark Twain said, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” Kindness helps people to feel visible. Kindness is calming and healing. It has been scientifically proven to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase self-esteem, improve mood…for both the giver AND the recipient!
Kindness invites TRUST. This is a priceless relational element for a leader to create synergy with their team. Kindness affords a leader the ability to keep the communication doors open so both leader and follower can gain understanding and exercise empathy as kindness inspires kindness.
It’s not just a tag line: Kindness really does matter. It is significant, and a leader should be committed to intentional acts of kindness.