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The superpower of kindness
The ability to show kindness in the workplace can be undervalued but it is a skill that benefits everyone
PEOPLE & CULTURE
Tracey McEachran
Senior Associate, Campbell Tickell
Tracey McEachran
Senior Associate, Campbell Tickell
Issue 75| December 2024
Have you ever worked with someone or been a customer in a place where the number one value was clearly kindness? From personal experience, I can say that wherever I’ve had a negative experience, kindness was nowhere to be found.
It’s no surprise that, in an increasingly complex world, we’re witnessing a surge in books, podcasts, and media focused on kindness as a central theme. When life gets complicated, we naturally seek simplicity, and it doesn’t get more straightforward than remembering to be kind. After all, it’s what most of us aim to teach our children from a very early age.
“Kindness also positively impacts workplace culture... acts of kindness in teams increase morale, collaboration, and overall satisfaction.”
Kind communications
In a recent Campbell Tickell leadership programme, designed and delivered for a large client, one of the most valued sessions was focused on kind communications. What was particularly interesting, though perhaps not surprising, was that colleagues nearer the frontline valued the session more than those in more senior leadership.
While I won’t delve too deeply into the research, it’s worth mentioning that science supports the idea that kindness benefits not only the recipient but also the person delivering it. Studies have shown that acts of kindness release oxytocin, often called the “love hormone”, which fosters connection and reduces stress. Research published by the American Psychological Association highlights that offering kindness improves both mental and physical wellbeing, reducing anxiety and depression and even lowering blood pressure.
Kindness also positively impacts workplace culture. Research from the University of California shows that acts of kindness in teams increase morale, collaboration, and overall satisfaction. Employees who experience or witness kindness at work are more likely to remain loyal and engaged, improving retention and reducing burnout.
Additionally, engaging in acts of kindness releases serotonin and endorphins, making kindness a self-reinforcing virtuous cycle. This means that the person delivering kindness benefits just as much, if not more, than the person receiving it. Kindness, then, is the very essence of a win-win.
Simple but effective
While kindness is often described as a “soft skill”, it’s important to recognise that being kind is not the same as being soft. I have coached leaders who are nervous about having difficult conversations with underperforming staff, and many of us can relate to that. However, it’s a kind act to be honest and open with the person concerned, rather than sugarcoating what needs to be said.
After all, what is kindness? To me, it is generosity of heart, a lack of judgement, an openness to truly see the other person, and a willingness to address the facts clearly. If you’re dealing with an underperformer, I can’t think of a better way to conduct that difficult conversation.
So, is kindness a superpower? In a world that often feels disconnected, stressed, and overwhelmed, kindness may just be the simplest and most effective way to transform our social environments, both personal and professional. It’s not just a soft skill, but an irresistible force with wonderful ripple effects.
“While kindness is often described as a “soft skill”, it’s important to recognise that being kind is not the same as being soft.”
