Working with the leaders in an organization for several years now, I have gotten to understand how they connect with one another. At times there can be a great deal of conflict as they are unable to see eye to eye about their team challenges. Blaming rules the workplace, pointing fingers at the way different departments perform their jobs. It can even become mean spirited where little communication takes place.

In a recent leadership program a discussion emerged about why there is so much frustration between team members. People felt that they were being taken for granted and not appreciated for their contributions. Expectations were unclear so it became an environment of unfulfilled customer deliverables. There needed to be a better way to interact and work towards the organization’s mission. What was missing was a huge dose of kindness.

Five Ways To Add Kindness To Leadership

1. Locate Your Heart Beat

Kindness begins with leaders caring about the success of others. To be influential and build relationships we need to put the focus on seeing things from team member’s perspectives. When we have differences in how a project should be completed, ask the other person why they chose a certain direction. Maybe they have a point and their ideas will lead to a stronger deliverable for a customer. Don’t make assumptions but rather allow your heart and brain to move in unison.

When leaders allow their hearts and minds to move in tandem their kindness rules. Share on X

2. Design Clear Expectations

It was a point of disconnection with the organization I worked with about what each team and department expected from one another. It caused immense friction and delayed deadlines. Issues weren’t resolved. No one felt accountable. What does it look like to set clear expectations?

  • Collaborate with all stakeholders on what each person is responsible for.
  • Use language and metrics that everyone understands and agrees to.
  • Put the expectations in writing for everyone to see.

3. Include Stakeholders When Making Modifications

Many leaders work on fast-paced teams that may need to pivot quickly to meet customers’ changing demands. When a new direction is required it is so important for leaders to partner with their team members in deciding how to adjust. A kindhearted leader understands that when change is needed they can’t do it alone and nor should they offer change without consulting all the stakeholders. When leaders rally their troops and ask for input they are showing others that their opinions and ideas matter.

4. Create Respectful Communication

The way a leader shares their message and interacts with their colleagues will impact the end deliverable. To build rapport among team members there needs to be honest, healthy and respectful connections. That all begins with communicating in a professional and kind way.

  • Spend more time listening than speaking. There will be plenty of time to share your ideas, but first understand what others are suggesting.
  • Set up guidelines on how to share information and deal with conflicting perspectives. A list of conflict norms is essential.
  • Be inclusive by asking for input and not putting down opinions.
  • Use a tone and body language that is approachable and open.
Leading with kindness means being inclusive of different perspectives. Share on X

5. Add Gratitude To Team Culture

Leaders who add gratitude to their leadership strategy will be the most influential. They will often have highly engaged teams who want to work their hardest and share their most innovative ideas. I have seen this with clients who show empathy and compassion when team members are struggling or need an advocate. Kindness is contagious. Saying thank you and telling others how much you appreciate their contributions will kick your leadership to the next level.

How have you added kindness to your leadership? Do you know a leader who epitomizes kind leadership?

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