NOV 13 was World Kindness Day. In a world where we are constantly busy with the hustle and bustle of work and life, let us not forget the importance of being kind. I am reminded by the motto my dear friend and former barrister-cum-entrepreneur Soo Shea Pin has always lived by, which is to “be kind”.
These days, we are constantly bombarded with distressing situations, whether it is brought on by politics, war and conflict or natural disasters. We live in an unkind world where kindness may not seem like a quality which can command respect or drive success yet history and contemporary examples show us otherwise.
Kindness is indeed a potent force in leadership. It’s not a sign of weakness but a reflection of strength and empathy.
A leadership trait
Kindness in leadership encompasses qualities such as empathy, compassion, humility, and a genuine concern for the well-being of others. A good leader is often a good listener.
Leaders who prioritise kindness in their interactions tend to create environments where individuals feel valued, supported and can grow. Hence, the organisation also benefits accordingly. This not only boosts morale but also encourages trust, which is the foundation of any successful organisation.
Take Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty as an example. He created the foundation for a Chinese civilisation that allowed the Tang Dynasty to endure for three centuries, until 907 CE. It was Taizong’s unique approach to wise governance – listening to criticism – which paved the way for his and China’s greatness during that time.
Another example is that of Harun al-Rashid, the fifth Abbasid caliph who was renowned for his rule during the Islamic Golden Age. He is often remembered for his patronage of the arts, culture and science. His leadership was marked by a kind approach towards scholars and artists, encouraging a flourishing of culture and learning.
Building trust and loyalty
When leaders exhibit kindness, it fosters an environment where employees feel safe, heard and respected. I have found that such trust allows my colleagues to take risks, voice their opinions, and contribute more effectively to the organisation.
A study by Oxford University found that happy employees, often a byproduct of kind and compassionate workplaces, are 13% more productive. Moreover, organisations renowned for their compassionate culture are magnets, both attraction and retention, for top talents.
Kindness can manifest in various ways, such as recognising and celebrating employee achievements, providing constructive feedback with empathy, and offering support during challenging times.
As Malaysians, we love to eat. So, celebrating achievements and milestones, as well as reconciling arising challenges, over meals is a great way to engage. Italian chef Massimo Bottura once said, “At the table, differences can meet and emerge less as walls and more as bridges.”
Conflict resolution and team dynamics
As we all know, even in the most harmonious workplace, conflicts can arise. How leaders handle these conflicts can significantly impact team dynamics and overall productivity.
We must approach conflict resolution with empathy and fairness, encourage open dialogue, active listening, and find mutually beneficial solutions.
As leaders, we are often seen as role models within our organisations. This trickle-down effect can have a profound impact on organisational culture where employees mirror their leaders’ behaviour.
As such, if leaders exhibit positive qualities, they are more likely to be embraced by employees at all levels of the organisation. On the flipside, the price to pay for being the opposite type of leader is immense.
The fall of Enron, a once-upon-a-time energy and investment giant, exemplifies how manipulative leadership can influence culture and lead to catastrophic outcomes.
Its leadership encouraged toxic, unethical practices which prioritised deceit and aggressive accounting approaches. This precipitated Enron’s dramatic collapse in 2001, resulting in massive job losses and significant financial harm to investors, and an erosion of public trust in the corporate sector.
Kindness and leadership
I was drawn to write on the topic of leadership and kindness, thanks to a friend, Pinky Lilani, founder of the Women of the Future Programme. Pinky once said, “The business world is quick to praise leaders of profitable and productive workplaces, but these often overlook the role played by kindness.”
Hence, in 2018, she set up the “Kindness & Leadership, 50 Leading Lights Asia Pacific” list, to share the stories of leaders and contributions of kind leaders to business, the economy and society. I am humbled to be one of this year’s listees.
Undoubtedly, as leaders, we have the power to change lives, inspire others, and make the world a better place through the simple act of being kind.
Life is so much more than the often-cold boardroom which we can and must make warmer. Our organisations are about our people, and being kind reminds us of what matters.
So, let us embrace kindness as an essential trait in our leadership journey, for it has the potential to change not only the way we lead but also the lives we touch along the way.
Prof Datuk Dr Elizabeth Lee is the chief executive officer of Sunway Education Group. A veteran in the field of private higher education, Prof Lee is also an advocate for women in leadership. She has been recognised both locally and internationally for her contributions to the field of education. The views expressed here are the writer’s own.
