Steve Nestor is a Learning and Development Consultant at Raise the Bar. Steve is an experienced and qualified coach and mentor, leader, learning and development, and marketing and communications specialist with comprehensive experience of developing exceptional relationships with clients, peers, colleagues, and leadership teams to provide sustainable business solutions.
Choose kindness: it might be the most powerful thing you do all day.
Anybody who knows me will know that I’m a huge fan of kindness; both showing it to ourselves and to others. It is one of the simplest things to offer but, for various reasons, is sometimes neglected or overlooked. Kindness is often seen as a ‘nice to have’ in the workplace, but in reality, it’s much more than that, and in my opinion it should be at the heart of all that we do because of the positive impact it has on individuals, teams, and on organisations as a whole. And with the recent launch of our new values here at Raise the Bar, I’m really pleased to see an increased focus on the power of kindness in our workplace. When we talk about kindness, we need to think about its impact on two levels: kindness to ourselves and kindness to others. These two aspects feed into each other, creating a cycle of positive energy that can transform workplaces and lives.
Kindness to Ourselves: The Foundation
How often do you speak to yourself in a way that you’d never dream of speaking to a friend? Probably more than you’d like to admit. In the busyness of life, of meeting deadlines and striving for high performance, we tend to be our own worst critics. When things don’t go as planned it’s easy to spiral into negative self-talk which can lead to us believing that everything is going wrong, or that we’re not good at anything which may leave us feeling anxious, overwhelmed and burnt out if we’re not careful.
Self-kindness starts with setting boundaries. Saying no, giving yourself the space to recharge, understanding that everybody makes mistakes, and recognising that it’s okay to take a step back. It might look like taking a real lunch break and getting away from your screens instead of eating at your desk, making that cup of tea you’ve been putting off, or simply taking a moment to breathe deeply before diving into the next task. By managing your energy and treating yourself with the same compassion you’d offer to a colleague, you’re not only preserving your well-being, you’re also ensuring you have the emotional bandwidth to be your best self at work.
Kindness to Others: The Ripple Effect
When you show compassion, kindness, and empathy to a colleague, whether that’s offering support during a tough time or simply saying ‘thank you’, you inspire them to pass it on. This ripple effect of kindness can shift the entire dynamic of a workplace. When employees feel seen and appreciated, it builds trust, boosts morale, and ultimately enhances collaboration. And studies show that when leaders demonstrate empathy and create environments of psychological safety, employees are more engaged and less likely to experience burnout. Happier employees are not only more productive, but they’re also more creative, willing to take risks, and are better problem-solvers… and the kindness you show others often comes back to you. It’s a cycle of positive reinforcement that benefits everyone.
Building a Kinder Workplace
So how can you bring more kindness into your workplace? Start small. Kindness isn’t always about grand gestures; it’s about consistency, it’s being reliable, it’s acting ethically and even the smallest actions can have the biggest impact. Offer a listening ear to a colleague who’s having a rough day. Send a quick message of appreciation. Even something as simple as a smile can make someone’s day a bit better.
“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”
– Theodore Roosevelt
People need people, so always remember this… Without people our organisations don’t exist; without people we don’t bring emotional intelligence to decision making, we don’t innovate, we don’t attract new customers (who are also people), and we don’t build healthy cultures. I worked in sales for a while and always remember the saying, ‘people buy people’ and I make no apology for constantly ‘banging on’ and sharing my belief that strong, trusting relationships sit at the heart of all successful teams and organisations. So, what better way to build trust and to start the meaningful conversations that lead to creating safe spaces, than to take the time to show kindness, compassion and empathy! I know that we’re all busy, but just offering your time to somebody shows that you care, it shows that they matter, and that they are valued.
We all have a role in encouraging this culture of kindness. By leading with compassion, we set the tone for the entire team. That might mean encouraging open communication, making space for vulnerability, or simply acknowledging that we’re all individuals with our own personal challenges. When people feel supported, they’re more likely to feel motivated and engaged, leading to better performance and stronger relationships.
The Bottom Line
Kindness, both to ourselves and to others, is not just a feel-good idea, it’s a strategic advantage. A workplace grounded in kindness is one where trust, collaboration, and innovation thrive. It’s where people feel valued, supported, and energised to bring their best selves to work every day. And that’s not just good for morale, it’s good for business. In a world where the pressures of work can often feel overwhelming, kindness offers a simple, yet impactful way to navigate challenges and create lasting success. So next time you’re rushing to meet that deadline or feeling frustrated with a colleague, take a moment to pause, breathe, and choose kindness. It might just be the most powerful thing you do all day.