What is Kindness?

What is kindness? What does it mean to be kind?

First, being kind is dramatically different from being nice. Nice is often about being polite and avoiding necessary conflict. But kindness is active; it incorporates the traits found in Resilient Leadership.

Kindness is working in such a way to contribute to the needs and well-being of other individuals, groups, society, the global ecosystem, and ourselves. This well-being is defined by the alignment of your values, others' values, and the group's values. This alignment is the engine for Moving from Values to Value.

Kindness is often motivated by love, but they are distinct. If love is the energy to choose good, kindness is the action steps to make love real.

Love, and our adherence to values, pushes us to figure out how to be kind in the unique circumstances of our moments, days, and cities. It pushes us to contribute to the real needs of our organizations. In the case of business leadership, kindness moves toward a business outcome that is mutually agreed upon and beneficial for the group.

That outcome may be revenue to guarantee jobs. It may be outstanding technical performance to benefit customers and society at large. To achieve this, kindness often includes clear communication that is both assertive and respectful.

Related Reading

Build Your Abs – Kindness isn't passive; it requires strength. Learn how to build the emotional "core strength" needed to communicate assertively and maintain kindness under pressure.

Resilient Leadership – See how kindness acts as a buffer during difficult times and helps you navigate the unique circumstances of your organization.

Why Be Kind? Moving from Values to Value – Dive deeper into how aligning values creates tangible business outcomes like revenue and performance.