Leading with kindness
By Pose123
@Pose123 (21635)
Canada
October 27, 2008 10:19am CST
Many businesses both large and small, are discovering that the better they treat their employees the more productive they are. Such things as better pensions, health care and profit sharing are just a few examples. That they get better results is something that shouldn't surprise any of us. If we think back to our school days, which teachers got the best results from their students? Wasn't it those who really cared about us, those who wanted only the best for us and who treated us fairly? It seems that the bests results always come from leading with kindness. Do you agree?
2 people like this
8 responses
@messageme (2821)
• United States
27 Oct 08
I agree with this completely!! I know that places I have worked I do better depending on the bosses. If I know I am putting in alot of hard work and I don't get complimented or some kind of appraisal for it, I feel like it's a waste of my time and I tend to slack off or I begin to not like my job if it's a continues thing. Everyone should be recognized for their hard work.
2 people like this
@froogle (775)
•
6 Nov 08
I would say it depends on what kind of organzation / group you are leading. If its a charity firm or a ngo, what you say is true. If its a global business fighting it out to gain market share, the leader needs to be firm and motivating and being kind there would not prevail.
So, it depends on the situation and what the leader is leading.
@ronaldinu (12422)
• Malta
30 Oct 08
Being a teacher I can say that kindness sometimes does not lead you to anywhere. Sometimes with certain kids you have to be strict and firm otherwise you won't get anything from them. With others punishment works but not with other students. However I always believe that one has to be firm but fair. Sometimes you have to be firm with your workers. © ronaldinu 2008
1 person likes this
@poohgal (6845)
• Singapore
27 Oct 08
Yup. Definitely agree. But I also feel that the employees or students must be of the right mindset to accept the kindness. If they accept it with grace, that will be the perfect scenario. If they take it for granted, we will only see things like teachers being bullied and companies being ripped off by their employees happening.
A little assertiveness is definitely required.
I think it's best to Lead with both Kindness and assertiveness.
2 people like this
@psspurgeon1 (1109)
• United States
27 Oct 08
I do agree with that. Unfortunately the businesses in my smaller town are not doing that. They are decreasing pension(it is virtually non existant now, being replaced by 401K), taking away holiday bonus, shortening vacation days, contributing less to employee insurance plans so our costs are outrageous, changing employee insurance to the cheapest they can find, and basically treating their employees like they are dispensable. Like they could be replaced on a moments notice by people who wouldn't care about all of these changes. So it would be nice to go somewhere where they actually do care about the employees and their families but I don't know where that would be. The worse the economy gets, the tighter their raines are. They feel like they have to save every penny they can at the expense of their employees. So, leading with kindness would be a wonderful concept and I only hope that we will get to expierence it one day before our future is completely ruined...
2 people like this
@danishcanadian (28955)
• Canada
27 Oct 08
I totally agree that the best way to lead is with kindness. If people lead by intimidation they are only breeding anger and hatred. If people allow themselves to be led by anger nad intimidation they are only enabling themselves to be dominated.
1 person likes this
@Sreekala (34312)
• India
30 Oct 08
Hi Pose ji, If we show kindness to others it will be recognized and well remembered. You have shown some good example to prove your sayings. But if you ask for an example to me, I will definitely say that 'You are the best example'. You were kind enough to respond to my discussions. I have noticed you, as a regular responder to my discussions. So I can say that you are kind enough to me and I would like to take this chance to express my gratitude.