Writing 5: The Power of Genuine Kindness in Leadership

Have you ever had an interaction where someone left you feeling genuinely seen and satisfied? It’s a fantastic feeling — the sense that your needs were met with respect and sincerity. Then there’s the opposite experience. If you’ve ever called your cable company to report a service disruption, you know what I mean. The words sound polite, but the delivery feels hollow — kindness by script, not by heart.

Authentic kindness is different. It makes you approachable, trustworthy, and safe to engage with. It’s the first step toward building trust — the foundation of effective leadership. Of course, trust takes more than kindness. It requires reliability, competence, and integrity. But kindness opens the door.

Kindness isn’t just about what you say; it’s how you say it. The tone of your voice, a genuine smile, or an unexpected helping hand can transform an ordinary exchange into a memorable one. These moments of sincerity are what set people — and leaders — apart.

Here’s a free and powerful way to differentiate yourself: Be kind. Truly kind.
 It sounds simple, but it’s not. We all have bad days, and that’s fine — what matters is not letting others pay for them. A leader’s reputation can unravel the moment their team starts whispering, “What mood is she in today?”

Leaders need followers. A leader without followers, as the saying goes, is just taking a walk. People choose to follow those who treat them with respect and dignity. If your workplace becomes a place people avoid or fear, your leadership tenure will be short-lived.

I asked AI to define respect and kindness. Here’s the response:

“Respect and kindness are foundational values that involve treating others with dignity, courtesy, and compassion. They are not just abstract concepts but are demonstrated through actions and behaviors in daily interactions. By fostering respect and kindness, individuals contribute to a more positive and harmonious environment, both personally and professionally.”

Two words stand out: dignity and daily interactions.

Kindness is easy in theory, but consistency is where most people struggle. Bias, frustration, and ego can all get in the way. Yet true kindness must transcend bias — religion, race, politics, income, education, gender, or orientation. Respect and appreciate differences. Don’t take people for granted.

Being kind when things aren’t going your way is a mark of strength, not weakness. Transformational leaders embody this — they’re demanding and results-driven, yet they lead with compassion. Think of Martin Luther King Jr., Mahatma Gandhi, or Eleanor Roosevelt: each demonstrated toughness without losing kindness. Contrast that with leaders like Steve Jobs, Jeff Bezos, or Larry Ellison, remembered as brilliant yet often ruthless.

The late Maya Angelou captured the essence of this beautifully when she said,

“People will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel.”

That single idea is the heartbeat of great leadership. People may forget your strategy, your speeches, or even your accomplishments — but they’ll remember how you treated them. Kindness leaves a lasting emotional imprint.

Kind leaders inspire loyalty. When people like working with you, morale rises, performance improves, and turnover falls. Every person you meet has something to teach you — if you stay open to it. That’s why I continue to emphasize note-taking.

Keep notes about your important interactions. Record others’ strengths and weaknesses, how they respond to ideas, and what you might do differently next time. Then review those notes during reflection periods. They’ll become a roadmap to improving how you connect and lead.

Ultimately, the hardest part of sustained kindness is putting others first. That’s the real test of leadership. Supporting others demonstrates commitment — and when people know they’re supported, they’ll go the extra mile. Losing talent is costly, not just financially but in knowledge and momentum.

So lead with kindness. It’s free, it’s powerful, and it’s remembered long after the words are forgotten.