“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”~Aesop
Life can be so complex and tough. We’re all dealing with so much – too much at times. Maybe too many things on our to-do lists, too many stressors, too much that we can’t possibly get done. But we can make it perhaps easier, and definitely more enjoyable, for ourselves and for others, by remembering the power of kindness.
It doesn’t have to be a huge deal. We don’t have to go far out of our way. It can be as simple as holding the door for the person behind us, or sharing information with our colleague, or smiling at the people we work with and asking them how they’re feeling and actually listening to their answers. It doesn’t have to be much, but it can change the world.
Maybe that seems unlikely, or preposterous, but I believe that the world is made up of each of our lives, and that our lives are made up of the big and small interactions we have with everyone around us every day. So, if I went out of my way to be kinder – to everyone I meet, and they in turn are kind to the people around them, then my actions can potentially have a ripple effect. A huge ripple effect. And the world can evolve and change.
But why would I suggest this here, in our Thoughtful Leaders Minute? Because as leaders – of our organizations, teams, families, etc. – our ripple effect can be even greater. We call it “shadow of a leader.” As leaders, we cast a shadow that affects those around us – our actions, words, and moods have impact. Huge impact. In ways we may not even realize. So imagine the impact you could have if you were kind. Even in a very small way.
How do you pay it forward with your kindness?
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If you enjoyed this post, you can read more like it in our book, The Power of Thoughtful Leadership: 101 Minutes To Being the Leader You Want To Be, available on Amazon.
For support in using kindness for yourself and your team, contact Lisa at lkohn@chatsworthconsulting.com.
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