Thoughts on Leadership #1 - Be Kind.

None of us have any idea, on any given day, what's going on inside the lives of those we encounter. You walk into the office in the morning and your team comes in, start their day, and you have no idea what they are bringing to the table. Admit it, you don't. You haven't been with them the night before, haven't seen what's going on in their home, emotional challenges they are facing. So just be kind. There is nothing more important as great leader than to treat your people or anyone you encounter for that matter, with kindness. If you're at the grocery store, the pharmacy, a restaurant, you don't know what's going on in their life! If you don't treat people with genuine kindness, then I would say you're not a great leader. You must understand that kindness to others is the key.

So, how do you feel when you are not met with kindness? Do you come in every day totally ready to go, nothing on your mind, no issues going on in your personal life? I doubt it, I don't. Remember, the people that work with you, people you encounter during the day also have no idea what's going on in your life. I hope they treat you with some kindness, some grace and maybe understand you might have something else going on in your world. But as a leader, you can't let it affect your outward treatment of them. So, if you're coming in, having a tough day, a problem at home, issues with kids, finances, anything, you've got to come in as a leader and just be kind to people.

It doesn't cost you anything to be kind but is invaluable to others. Your team needs to know, walking in the door, you are going to treat them with kindness.

I feel like I just ought to stop right here . . . No Top Ten List . . . No future Episodes . . .

Just BE KIND.