You can lead with wisdom, not just authority 6 habits of kind leaders teams love to follow. No position is too elevated to justify being unkind The most respected leaders understand that leading with kindness isn't weakness – it's wisdom. 6 strategies to cultivate kindness within your leadership style 1. Practice active listening ➡️ Put away your phone during conversations, maintain eye contact, and ask thoughtful follow-up questions. 2. Make appreciation specific and timely ➡️ Instead of generic "good job" comments, highlight exactly what someone did well and why it mattered. 3. Protect your team's time and energy ➡️ Block unnecessary meetings, defend against scope creep, and ensure reasonable deadlines. 4. Take responsibility for mistakes. ➡️ When things go wrong, step up with "I should have provided clearer guidance" rather than seeking someone to blame. 5. Remember personal milestones. ➡️ Keep track of birthdays, work anniversaries, and important life events. 6. Make hard conversations kind. ➡️ When giving critical feedback, focus on specific behaviors and their impact, then collaborate on solutions Its not just what you say and do but how. Which one do you think makes the most impact? Share with someone who created a safe space for you Follow Natasha Mahajan for more insights on living and building with purpose Image Credit: Unknown
I used to believe that. While it is very comforting to read, in real life many experiences teach us mainly to be clear, direct, assertive, respectful and responsible... even when others don't find us nice (or likable). Don't try to be considered nice. Although kindness is so powerful, doesn't neccesarily work with some people. Trying to being nice tends to drain our energy when we are around certain pathologies. I might feel blessed if someone at a certain moment finds me nice and I will make sure to reciprocate with really thoughtful and considerate words. I lean more towards respect than 'being nice'.
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I love number 2. make appreciation specific and timely. I believe those who are appreciated for their efforts are more likely to put in extra energy at work. Taking the time to appreciate your team members specifically can make a huge difference.
I love number 2! Adding the detail behind the compliment ✨
A great post highlighting the power of kindness in leadership! I believe "Take responsibility for mistakes" is one of the most impactful strategies. When leaders own up to their mistakes, it creates an atmosphere of trust and accountability. It shows that no one is above learning and growing, making it easier for the team to follow suit. Leadership isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being real.
Love these points! I think "Take responsibility for mistakes" really stands out—owning up to missteps not only builds trust but also sets the tone for a supportive, growth-focused environment. It's about creating that safe space where people feel valued and empowered to improve.
Love this! Kind leadership is a powerful tool, and these habits are a great roadmap for fostering trust and respect within a team. Active listening, specific appreciation, and owning mistakes are all essential for creating a positive work environment.
Natasha Mahajan very nicely summarised some of the key strategies a leader should imbine. In my view the most important and start point of these is to just “ Listen” . Listen at all levels, with sincerity and with the goal of creating an open and thinking enviornment. The listener feels respected and valued.
Great advice, it literally takes nothing to be nice and make somebody's day so do it everyday guys!
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2wLeaders who lead with discipline are Humble, knowledgeable, confident and consistent. "Leaders" who prioritize authority tend t be ( from my last personal observation at HSS NYC): Superficial: They care more about their image and reputation than the state of the environment they are supposed to be in charge of handling. Poor communication: They can follow all guidelines advised by professional resources which is great but they are can also be completely obsolete if the core of the problem is left out. Insecure: Much like in school, if you are different (I.E smart, hardworking, ambitious....etc) and leadership is insecure, then they will most likely turn a blind eye to your accomplishments, single you out and in extreme cases like mine, encourage and enable others to actively engage in mistreating the underdog. Liars: (sugar coating things): This Is most likely linked to poor communication. They overpromise you and horribly under deliver relatively speaking. In my situation, management kept reassuring me actions were gonna be taken after listening to the deplorable conditions I was left with. However they never did even after initiating complaints myself over 3 times. #leadership #Corruption #HSS