How much have you thought about kindness lately? To a busy entrepreneur, perhaps it doesn’t mean a whole lot outside of it being something warm and fuzzy that you experience every now and then. The truth is, however, that kindness may be one of the most untapped commodities in business.
November 13 is World Kindness Day, so in celebration of this little-known observation, we’d love to show you just how much a focus on kindness in your business could have a positive impact… yes, even on your bottom line!
There’s a lot out there that suggests emotional intelligence (or, EQ) is just as important as IQ when striving for success in business.
One of the pillars of strong emotional intelligence is self-awareness; an understanding of how your own moods, emotions and reactions affect those around you. By having kindness and a sense of empathy at the forefront of your mind, you can create a sense of positive, approachable influence in the workplace, as well as make smarter, less emotion-driven decisions in times of stress - something that definitely comes in handy in the day-to-day unknowns of startup life.
Sure, an age-old way to get ahead in business is effective networking - but it can feel a little ‘what’s in it for me?’ at times.
LinkedIn PR lead Laurie Thornton spoke to Elisa Camahort Page, co-founder of BlogHer, on her (highly effective, mind you) long-term approach to networking and professional connection building. Elisa’s philosophy is to think of a relationship less as being on a “per transaction” basis, instead opting for a much kinder, more inclusive approach. She helps those who ask and makes introductions where she can, without an immediate expectation of returned favor or gain, figuring instead that similar treatment will find its way back to her eventually.
And when she switched from entrepreneurship to consulting, her long-term nurturing of her network paid kindness dividends, with her reputation as both a talented and generous business figure preceding her.
It can be a difficult task to go forth with kindness, to act with generosity - especially with so much going on in entrepreneurial pursuits. But, the help you need in the future could come from unexpected places you nurtured early on.
Culture starts at the top. A kind leader will make an impact on the general vibe of an organization, bringing out the kindness and compassion in their team.
Why does this matter? Well, firstly, it has enormous positive effects on the productivity and success of teams, and when someone in a position of power leads by example, the overall receptiveness of such ideas is stronger.
Secondly, kindness has a flow-on effect. When staff are kind to each other, inevitably it flows from them to customers, clients and others in the network. As Dr. Catherine Crock, a physician at the Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne observed, creating a “culture of kindness” in her workplace was of immense benefit to staff feeling heard and supported, as well as transforming the vibe for patients experiencing the hell of childhood illnesses.
Ah, it’s the mantra of faltering high-profile sports teams everywhere, but it’s true. In a world where we all expect immediate answers, satisfaction and results, the benefits of kindness may take longer to eventuate… so you’re just going to have to be patient and trust the process.
It’s the law of reciprocity; you’ll find that eventually your good deed will be rewarded - so keep an eye out for ways you can practice gratitude and kindness.
Our programs were designed by world-renowned coaches. Sessions only take 5-15 minutes. Get started for free with your personalized program now.
Our expert coaches have designed hyper-effective programs that will help
you change the world.
Coach Marlee (your amazing AI-powered personal coach) will analyse your unique traits and goals to let you know which program to start with (and if there are any you should skip)!
Your recommended programs include:
Our expert coaches have designed hyper-effective programs that will help you improve your mental health, wellbeing, productivity, leadership and more.
Coach Marlee (your amazing AI-powered personal coach) will analyse your unique traits and goals to let you know which program to start with (and if there are any you should skip)!
Your recommended programs include:
Take your teaming to the next level in this high impact 9-week team coaching program with Coach Marlee. Discover and optimize complementary strengths and unique talents with your team, reach decisions together quickly, enjoy team cohesion, high energy and motivation as a bonded team.
Impress yourself and others with your attention to detail! Develop a genuine appreciation, energy and stamina for detailed thinking to execute your vision, measure performance in yourself and others while also accelerating your ability to learn and change.
In this high impact eight week program Coach Marlee will help you increase your comfort and confidence to be in positions of influence and leadership, navigate organizational politics and also help you develop greater confidence to compete and influence at the top of your industry or field.
Multiply your impact by embracing the experience and genius within others. During this eight week program Coach Marlee will help you to develop a genuine appreciation for experimentation and data and a willingness to empower the opinions, feedback and insights within your team and others in your life.
Explore, strengthen and stand by what you believe in at work and in life. Trust in your ‘gut feel’ and point of view is especially helpful for influencing, starting your own business, having your personal needs met and for living an authentic and meaningful life.
Inspire yourself and others to see the bigger picture! Increase your comfort and use of abstract and strategic thinking to gain a broader perspective in work and life. Big picture thinking is key in communication, leadership, businesses, selling, marketing, and situations where you need to get the gist of things quickly.
Develop ‘step back’ mastery for increased self-awareness and developing mindsets and tools for constant improvement. Reflection and patience is core to consolidating learning, development, strategic thinking, recharging and living an authentic and meaningful life.
Close the gap between your great ideas and starting them. Energy and drive for starting is key for inventing new things, starting businesses, selling, marketing, socializing or in situations where you need to think on your feet.
Explore, develop or strengthen your emotional intelligence (EQ). Awareness of your and others’ emotions is at the heart of influencing, ‘reading people’, impactful communication, deep relating and authentic connection at work and in life.
Inspire yourself and others to see and achieve grand visions and goals. A focus on goals is especially helpful for inspirational leaders, starting your own business, impactful communication, or for achieving awesome outcomes at work and in life.
“This program helped me kickstart my journey to wellbeing. Never could I have imagined an AI coach being this good - as if you're talking to a real human and how Marlee made me accountable to my goals. Super awesome experience that you definitely got to try!”
"I have learned how to communicate better using every tool I have in myself, especially in learning how to use my tone of voice"
“What an awesome way to get better at collaborating with my teammates! Thumbs up Marlee!“
“As an engineer, I never thought about doing a retro with my family. This has been cool.”
“This wellbeing program blew my expectations. At first I thought the program was just going to help me with weight loss, but as I went through, I got so much more. This program has helped me shift my entire thinking and attitudes about myself, helping me to prioritize my health and wellbeing. I feel amazing!”
“This coaching program has helped me improve the way I connect, relate and communicate - deepening my relationships with others and also with myself”
“Marlee helped me build deeper levels of self-esteem and how I valued myself vis-a-vis the greater world. It also taught me courage to believe in my beliefs, and that it is not about success or failure, but that we give it a go, a try”
“Quite amazing how many things get done when they are initiated!”
Our tools are trusted by teams like Canva to help improve:
Subscribe to our newsletter for free access to the latest research and expert tips on Mental Health, Wellbeing, Leadership, Career Skills, Team Building & more!
Get started for free with personal (or team) coaching.
Programs are designed by world-renowned coaches & delivered by our incredible (AI-powered) Coach Marlee.
Sessions take just a few minutes and are 100% personalized to fit your unique traits and goals.
Name Surname
Position, Company name
Name Surname
Position, Company name
Name Surname
Position, Company name
Name Surname
Position, Company name
Name Surname
Position, Company name
Name Surname
Position, Company name