When we say ‘leadership’, what comes to mind? Too often we see bosses working in a dictatorial fashion, and senior members of staff lecturing their employees or colleagues. Is leadership just something which you should be doing ‘at work’? Or does leadership encompass skills of kindness and basic human interaction? In this blog we’ll be exploring how demonstrating the skill of kindness can make you a more effective leader.
Leadership is defined as the action of leading a group of people or an organisation. It is to demonstrate guidance, manage and give direction.
Strong leadership and kindness are not mutually exclusive. Rather, the two complement each other in more than just one way. With the tool of being able to understand people and their emotions, I’ve seen the impact which kindness can have. It’s shown me that leadership doesn’t necessarily have to be as a CEO of a large company. Nor does it have to be when in a position of ‘senior management’. The roles of leadership are everywhere. Whether you are an older sibling, a parent, a friend or colleague, there will usually always be someone looking up to you.
The skills needed to get the best out of people at work can be assimilated with the skills used when extending kindness to when someone needs it the most. If you think back to some of the greatest leaders of time, or people that have truly motivated and inspired you, who comes to mind?
“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey
Personally, some of the most influential people in my life include relatives, teachers and scout leaders. I have no doubt that most of you reading this blog will think the same. This shows that they have leadership skills in them. Is this because they are heads of large companies and always dressed in nicely pressed suits? Probably not. It’s more likely that they’ve given you time, shown compassion and had a genuine interest in your wellbeing. This may have resulted in you becoming a better person or in pursuing feats which otherwise seemed impossible, or doing things beyond the ordinary. The power of kindness is unbeatable.
So, if we go back to the question of leadership; what is leadership? And what makes a good leader? This blog has suggested some ideas. Moving forward, look to see who your life impacts. Without knowing it, you’re an inspiration to people you may not even remember. Every word and action which we do has a consequence. To be a good leader to young people, treat them with respect and dignity. If people are valued, they will perform and achieve to great standards.
And if you’re looking for good role models, and inspirational leaders, look out for kind-hearted, driven individuals in society. You’ll find that you connect more with some people more than others. So long as they can demonstrate kindness, you should be able to rest assured that you’re in good hands.
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