There are a lot of myths out there about why kindness and leadership can’t go together. I hear them all the time. This week, I’ve decided to do a series of five “myth-buster” posts about Kind Leadership.
Today’s Kind Leadership Myth: You need to agree with someone to be kind to them.
I was at a picnic this weekend. The weather was beautiful (finally!) and there were many people I hadn’t seen in a long time, and new people to meet. As I was chatting with someone I just met, I realized that the person and I were on opposites sides of the spectrum on many beliefs. I could feel my hackles rising and the heard the unkind voices “in my head” starting. Instead of voicing my unkind thoughts though, I forced myself to listen to the other person. And what I heard were a list of kind things they had done for others over the past week. So instead of arguing, even though I didn’t agree with the underlying beliefs and motivation, I gave the person a Love and Kindness Button and thanked them for their kindness.
As a leader, you will meet all kinds of people. Some will have your point of view and beliefs, and many won’t. That’s okay. Because agreement with someone’s beliefs and perspective isn’t a prerequisite for kindness. And when, as a leader, you model acting, speaking and thinking kindly to people with perspectives different than yours, you create an inclusive and psychologically safe environment for all.
Okay! That’s today’s Kind Leadership myth busted! Looking forward to the rest of the week!
If you’ve heard some Kind Leadership myths, please write them in the comments so I can add them to the list up be busted!
And if you haven't already, please check out ways to get involved and practice your Kind Leadership! Here's some opportunities for you:
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