Be Kind Anyway.
Be Kind Anyway.
Happy New Year, Rise + Grind friends!
Over the holidays, I engaged in a conversation with a remarkable woman who shared an upsetting experience from her recent performance review. As someone who regularly hears a myriad of work stories, ranging from the extraordinary to the challenging, this particular narrative has lingered in my thoughts for weeks. In this session, she was unfairly labeled as a “brown-nosing parasite.” Her boss said those words to her— shocking, isn’t it?
This woman, whom I know to be intelligent, hardworking, and kind-hearted, has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, vision, and a commitment to high-quality work. She has earned accolades not only within her organization but also in her broader professional field. Despite her accomplishments, she was criticized by someone who misunderstands kindness as a weakness. It’s discouraging to witness such setbacks, but I believe she will soon find a new opportunity that truly values her talents and celebrates her kindness.
The situation prompts reflection on the lack of leadership poise displayed—an obvious error in judgment, a mean-spirited approach, a manifestation of frustration, and an unsettling display of insecurity. Rather than dwelling on these shortcomings, I propose an alternative perspective.
Be kind anyway.
My hope for this woman is that she continues to embody kindness despite the challenges. May she persist in cheering on her colleagues, offering encouragement, and celebrating small successes as if they were monumental achievements. Kindness is never wasted, and in the face of criticism, it becomes a powerful asset.
I encourage her to see beyond her supervisor’s hurtful remark, recognizing the pain that likely shaped such behavior, and instead of allowing it to diminish her spirit, let her use it as a catalyst for empathy.
May she acknowledge her own value and, while extending good wishes to her current organization, summon the courage to seek an environment that welcomes and reciprocates her positivity and kindness. This experience should serve as a pivotal moment, reinforcing her commitment to choosing kindness.
Leader in kindness.
As we step into the new year, let us reset the expectation of kindness and mutual respect within our teams. Sprinkle kindness wherever you can— recognition of effort, quality and appreciation are small gestures that can make a big impact. Let us learn from this woman’s experience and become a beacon of inspiration for those we are fortunate enough to work alongside.
If you are looking to create a kinder workplace or need guidance on fostering a culture of compassion, reach out to us. Together, let's make 2024 the year of kindness in the workplace!