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The Value of Kindness at Work
Cathie Leimbach • July 16, 2024
Kindness at work isn't just a feel-good notion; it's a powerful tool for fostering a positive workplace culture and improving productivity. When kindness is practiced, it creates a ripple effect, leading to happier employees, increased morale, and enhanced teamwork. Here are three ways to show kindness at work:
- Express Appreciation: Take the time to acknowledge and thank your colleagues for their contributions. A simple "thank you" or a note of appreciation can go a long way in making someone feel valued.
- Offer Support: Be there for your coworkers during challenging times. Whether it's lending a listening ear, offering assistance with a project, or providing guidance, showing empathy and support can make a significant difference.
- Practice Active Listening: Truly listen to your colleagues without judgment or interruption. Show genuine interest in their ideas and concerns, and validate their feelings. This fosters open communication and builds trust among team members.
By incorporating kindness into our daily interactions at work, we create a more inclusive and supportive environment where everyone can thrive.
Based on “Four Cs of Effective Conversation” - The Ohio State University Leadership Center. Ever walked out of a meeting thinking everything was settled, only to realize later that key actions didn’t happen, or alignment was off? That’s because effective conversations require four key elements: clarity, candor, commitment, and completion. Clarity: Make Sure Everyone’s on the Same Page Miscommunication is one of the biggest productivity killers. It’s easy to assume people understand what’s being said, but without clear expectations, mistakes happen. Take the time to check for understanding—what’s obvious to you might not be obvious to everyone else. Candor: Say What You Mean, Mean What You Say Honest, direct conversations build strong teams. When people hold back their real thoughts or concerns, issues fester, and progress stalls. Creating a culture of candor—where people feel safe to speak openly—makes teams more effective and relationships stronger. Commitment: Get Specific About Next Steps A vague “I’ll handle it” often leads to dropped balls. When commitments are specific—who will do what by when—things actually get done. Leaders sometimes hesitate to ask for deadlines, fearing it feels like micromanagement, but clear commitments drive accountability without overstepping. Completion: Don’t Move On Too Soon Before wrapping up a discussion, check that everything’s been addressed. Did we answer all key questions? Does everyone know what happens next? Ensuring a topic is fully covered prevents confusion later and keeps teams aligned. Mastering these four Cs can turn routine workplace conversations into powerful tools for productivity and collaboration.
Today's workplaces are changing, and managers play a key role in increasing workplace morale and productivity. Research shows that managers impact 70% of what affects how engaged and effective employees are. Surveys show many employees are dissatisfied. They say that expectations are unclear, they don’t feel respected by management, they don’t get enough training, and they don't see how their work matters. With the increasing number of seniors and fewer people in the workforce, increased productivity is essential. Strong leadership is more important than ever. Managers need to develop skills to help their teams succeed. This includes: • Setting clear goals, • Showing appreciation, • Providing good training, and • Helping employees see the purpose of their work. The innovative Conversational Management program helps managers build these leadership skills. It focuses on the leadership practices which boost engagement and productivity. Managers can participate in a virtual Test Drive to see how these strategies can improve teamwork and performance. If you want better results and productivity, REGISTER HERE to join a Test Drive and learn about this highly effective leadership approach!