Earlier this year, I attended the Central Alberta Teachers’ Convention on behalf of Nelson. I was pleasantly surprised when one of my former teachers, Laurie McIntosh (@lauriesmcintosh) stopped by the booth to say hello. I was then humbled when I dropped by her sessions, and she kindly recognized and affirmed me in for my actions as her former superintendent. She reminds me often of the impact of three words I spoke to her many years ago, “Just be mom!”
Few reading this blog would not know instantly who Laurie is but for those who don’t…she is one of the best kindergarten teachers I’ve ever known, she is the co-author of “Teachers These Days,” and she is the queen of kindness both within her classroom, school and community.
While grateful for her words and more specifically about the content of her presentation, it struck me that we often don’t connect kindness as an invaluable leadership quality. It is too often misinterpreted as simply being “soft” and more of a hinderance than an asset in leadership. How far from the truth!
In Alberta (and likely many other areas in the world), the first competency in the teaching, leadership and superintendent leadership quality standards is building or fostering effective relationships. And while it may not necessarily state “kindness” in the indicators, I would suggest that strong and trusting relationships can never be fully developed without some sort of kindness quotient.
Kindness is a powerful and effective leadership skill, that involves showing compassion, empathy, and understanding towards others. It allows for the creation of positive and inclusive work environments. Even in the best collaborative teams, there is always some sort of hierarchy and with kindness, strong relationships are developed between leaders and their team members.
Genuine care and consideration help to create an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and motivated. Heightened trust is established which promotes more open communication ultimately giving a stronger sense of voice to team members. The role modelling of kindness in leadership fosters a commitment to intellectual conflict which is essential in strong collaborative teams.
Kindness in leadership doesn’t mean not making people accountable or not making tough decisions. In fact, leaders who understand that decisions made around discipline or termination are done through the highest acts of kindness. It should never be easy to discipline or terminate an employee and kind leaders understand that better than most.
Kindness is key as a leadership skill because of all the potential benefits. Fostering strong relationships, building trust and developing open and honest forums for conversation and ideas are just a few. The impact of a leader’s kindness builds and sustains a positive work culture which benefits all organizations.
