Does kindness at work matter? Yes, according to psychologists. Compassion and kindness have proven to be a powerful force which can actually reduce workplace stress.
So how can you ensure that your staff plays nice in the office sandbox? By leading by example:
- Practice what you preach. If you are in a perpetual bad mood, understand that those emotions don’t go unnoticed by your staff. Your employees may be constantly on edge, wondering when you are going to snap. Employees hold back on their opinions and ideas when they feel that just approaching you to ask a simple question will be met with hostility. It’s not hyperbole that when “the boss is happy, everyone is happy”.
- Show compassion. Exhibiting kindness, compassion and generosity is not a leadership “weakness”. Employees value these traits and will support and respect you when they are treated kindly and with respect in return.
- Don’t hold grudges. Putting grudges aside and forgiving mistakes can cut the tension at work. Leading is undoubtedly a stressful undertaking, but learning to put your employees’ past trivial mistakes to rest and starting anew with clear guidelines can enhance peace and harmony with your staff.
- Don’t forget your manners. Simple words of kindness such “Thank you” or “Please” can have a powerfully positive impact on the work environment.
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Dianne Shaddock
President and Founder at Easy Small Business HR
Get more tips on interviewing, hiring, managing and engaging your employees. Dianne Shaddock is the President of Easy Small Business HR, Employee Hiring and Managing Tips and the author of the eGuides, "How To Supervise: What Your Boss Never Told You Before You Took the Job", A Step-By-Step Guide For New and Seasoned Managers and "How To Find and Hire the Best Employees".
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