We are living in an age of disruption marked by global climate change, geopolitical tensions, mass layoffs and rising unemployment. These challenges impact employee wellbeing and reshape workplace dynamics, making it crucial for leaders to adopt more human – centred, adaptable models of leadership. Creating a supportive, empathetic workplace is essential not only for the wellbeing of the employee but also for the overall resilience and sustainability of organizations, reflecting the need for a deeper shift in leadership expectations.
In times of personal and global crisis, kind leadership has become more than just a “nice – to – have” quality but a necessity. Leaders who listen and provide support can build more engaged teams who are equipped to navigate the uncertainty of our times. The future of our leadership will depend on the ability to rethink and develop behaviours that reflect this new reality.
Kindness in leadership is broadly defined as acting with the intention of benefiting others. While some may perceive it as being soft or lenient, in reality, it reflects the strength and discipline of making conscious choices to prioritise compassion and creating a supportive environment for others. As Khalil Gibran noted, “Tenderness and kindness are not signs of weakness and despair, but manifestations of strength and resolution”. Kindness in leadership does not mean avoiding difficult decisions, rather facing them with empathy and consideration of everyone involved.
Evolutionary psychologist Robert Trivers (1971) found that altruism and kindness are reciprocal in nature and can be cultivated. Examples of reciprocal altruism are abundant in nature, seen in species ranging from aquatic organisms to our primate cousins. In organisations, leading with empathy and kindness can perpetuate cycle of compassion for others and foster behaviours of organisational citizenship. Acts of kindness from leadership encourage employees to reciprocate by going beyond their job descriptions, supporting colleagues, and demonstrating greater responsibility toward the company’s success. This creates a positive feedback loop that not only strengthens internal dynamics but also extends to customers, clients, and the broader community.
Kindness is also a skill that can be developed and practiced. By observing acts of kindness around oneself, leaders can learn how to incorporate kindness into their own leadership style. In a world marked by multiple ongoing global crises, kindness can become a crucial resource for both employees and organisations as they deal with issues of staff retention, organisational stability and employee morale.
There are several practical strategies leaders can use to implement kindness into their leadership practices. Having regular check – ins and transparent communication allows employees to feel heard and valued. Prioritising transparency, offers employees agency over their professional and personal choices, helping to build trust and a sense of belonging. Another practical strategy is by designing a positive onboarding process. The first few weeks can feel overwhelming. By creating a supportive and empowering process, the new employee can feel like part of the team and be motivated to be good organisational citizens to reciprocate kindness.
Rewarding performance and investing in employee growth demonstrates that organisations values its employee’s contribution is committed to their long term success. When employees feel respected and supported, they are more likely to remain loyal to the organisation, even in times of external crisis.
As we discuss kindness towards employees, it is equally important to recognise that kind leadership begins with the leaders themselves. Leaders in high pressure environments often push themselves to the brink of burnout, consumed by self – criticism and the constant demand for excellence. To lead with compassion, leaders must first extend that compassion to themselves. Prioritising self – care and rest, allow leaders to recharge and support others effectively.
By demonstrating self – compassion, leaders model healthy behaviours for their teams and create the space to foster a culture of care and compassion, creating resilient teams and organisations.
Kind leadership is more than a buzzword; it is a powerful and necessary approach to navigating today’s workplace challenges. By fostering an environment of trust, empathy, and open communication, kind leaders can inspire loyalty, improve employee morale, and create a culture of care that endures both in times of crisis and beyond. In a world where disruption is inevitable, kindness is a skill that every leader should strive to master.
