This year, more than any other, it feels like kindness is having a moment. Everywhere you look people are talking about being kinder, more empathetic, and less judgmental; there’s even a Kindness Index that measures how kind different countries are. For business owners, being kind can seem like a drawback: Being nice doesn’t exactly scream “powerhouse” or “effective” leader. But as the world moves in this new, caring direction, some of the most successful business people seem to be those who prioritize their values above all else.
In today’s world where people are bombarded with ads for fast cars, perfect bodies, and luxury goods – the things that matter get overlooked. It’s easy to think that having a big bank account or fancy house is what makes someone happy and successful but we must return to the basics again and again. When it comes to business, that means valuing kindness above all else because in many ways being kind will help you succeed in business as well as in life.
Be kind to others and you will be kind to yourself
It used to be that businesspeople were trained to be ruthless and self-serving. You’d be seen as a pushover to be taken advantage of if you didn’t use every emotional trick in the book to get ahead. But modern research has shown us that being kind to others is the most effective way to get what you want. Studies have shown that the people who are most likely to help others are the people who are the happiest and most satisfied with their own lives. Kindness doesn’t just get you ahead of other people, it also helps you be a better person.
People want to work with people they like
With all the talk of cultural fit and how important it is to hire people who love the company’s mission, it seems like hiring friends is the best way to go. But the fact is that people who are the best fit for the job can be good friends or total strangers. Hiring people you like to work with makes you more likely to hire the right people in the first place. When you’re invested in making sure each person gets a job they love, you’re more likely to make the right choices.
Helping others can help you find great new employees
The best employees are the ones who are genuinely invested in the company and its mission. The best way to find those people is to give back. Volunteer with organizations that need your help, or set up internships with nonprofits in your field. Not only are you helping other people and strengthening your company’s connection with the community, but you’re also giving your employees a chance to build genuine investment in your company.
Being kind makes you more empathetic, which is key to an effective business strategy
When you’re in the palm of your hand, you’re more likely to make rash and impulsive decisions. But when you’re more empathetic to the needs and desires of others, you’re more likely to make more effective choices. That’s because you’re more likely to consider all possible outcomes, including the ones that might not benefit you. That kind of foresight is a big part of effective business strategy.
You’ll develop stronger relationships
When you’re more empathetic to the needs and desires of others, you’ll find that your relationships become stronger. This is a critical component of the business. The more people care about your company and what you do, the more likely they are to come back. If you can get your customers to feel a genuine connection with you and your business, they’re much more likely to come back again and again.
Your business will benefit from your sense of well-being
All the benefits of being kind to others come back to you. You’ll feel better about yourself when you’re kind to others. You’ll be more connected to your community, and that will make you feel more connected to yourself. You’ll be more likely to make effective decisions and avoid rash ones that might hurt your business. You’ll be happier at work. You’ll be more likely to make work a place you want to be rather than a place you have to go to each day.
In many ways being a kind person will help you succeed in business. When you’re kind to others, you’ll be kind to yourself. You’ll be more empathetic and able to make effective decisions, and you’ll have stronger relationships with your community. Being kind is a great place to start as a business owner, and it’s something you can always work on improving. Being a kind person isn’t always easy, but it’s never too late to try. With all the research pointing to the benefits of kindness, it makes sense for business and life to start with the basics again and again.
