Living the golden rule is, at its core, a call to be kind, fair, and compassionate.
Occasionally, someone asks, “Why is ‘living the golden rule’ one of the 12 principles of highly successful leaders?”
In answer to that question, you’ll find below 6 reasons why kindness matters as a leader along with 7 ways to practice kindness in the workplace.
Why Kindness Matters
Kindness matters in the workplace for several important reasons:
1. Positive Work Environment: Kindness fosters a positive work environment where employees feel valued, supported, and respected. When people are treated with kindness, they are more likely to enjoy their work, feel motivated, and have higher job satisfaction.
2. Enhanced Collaboration and Teamwork: Kindness promotes cooperation, empathy, and a sense of camaraderie among team members. When individuals are kind to one another, they are more willing to help and support each other.
3. Reduced Conflict and Stress: Treating colleagues with kindness and empathy creates a culture of understanding and open communication, which can help prevent misunderstandings and potential conflicts. This, in turn, creates a less stressful work environment.
4. Increased Employee Engagement and Loyalty: When employees feel appreciated and respected through acts of kindness, they tend to be more engaged in their work and develop a sense of loyalty towards their organization.
5. Improved Customer Service: Kindness extends beyond interactions among colleagues; it also applies to how employees treat customers or clients. When employees demonstrate kindness towards customers, it enhances their overall experience and builds positive relationships, leading to increased customer satisfaction, loyalty, and potentially, business growth.
6. Personal and Professional Development: Employees who experience kindness are more likely to feel supported in their development, take on new challenges, and explore their full potential. Kindness can also inspire individuals to pay it forward and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement.
Applying the Golden Rule
Here are seven practical ways to apply the golden rule in your professional interactions:
1. Treat your colleagues with respect and empathy. Listen actively, show genuine interest in their perspectives, and acknowledge their feelings. Avoid interrupting or dismissing their ideas, and be open to different viewpoints.
2. Practice open, honest, and transparent communication. Be clear and concise in your messages, and strive to be a good listener. Avoid gossip or negative talk about others and instead focus on constructive and positive communication.
3. Be a team player and actively contribute to collaborative efforts. Offer assistance and support to your colleagues when needed, and recognize and appreciate the contributions of others.
4. Practice courtesy in your everyday interactions. Use polite and respectful language, say “please” and “thank you,” and show appreciation for the efforts of your colleagues.
5. When conflicts arise, seek to resolve them in a respectful and fair manner. Listen to all parties involved, try to understand their perspectives, and find common ground. Focus on finding solutions rather than placing blame.
6. Acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of your colleagues. Offer praise, recognition, and encouragement for their hard work and successes.
7. Take responsibility for your actions and their impact on others. Apologize when you make a mistake and work to make amends. Hold yourself to the same standards of behavior that you expect from others.
Wrapping Up
Remember that practicing the golden rule is an ongoing effort. It requires self-awareness, empathy, and a genuine desire to treat others with kindness and respect. By embodying these principles in your interactions, you’re well on your way to becoming your best in work and life.
“Kindness shines a spotlight on others, without diminishing our own brightness.” – Adrienne Bankert
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