The Engaging Leader Diary – Kindness

There is something special about a leader who naturally demonstrates kindness. Sometimes it is small unexpected gesture like a thank you card, a small gift or some kind words. I still remember to this day two leaders sending me well done cards as I achieved a sales milestone as a new sales recruit at Mars over 20 years ago. Kindness brings people together and creates bonds.  It also connects us more with who we actually are not who we are perhaps trying to be.

I was chatting on the phone this week to Leon Logothetis who lives in Los Angeles. Some of you may know him as the creator of the ‘Kindness Diaries on Netflix’. From Leon’s travels around the world living off the kindness of strangers (and to the most needy giving back) he found that it does not matter what nationality, religion, ethnic race you come from. Kindness is a way of being that engages you with others whoever they may be. So why not use more of it in the way you lead people in your business?

Leon came into our world as my son Matthew told me about this great TV show that his teacher had recommended. I watched some episodes with him and was moved by them. So I emailed Leon and asked him if I could interview him on the Business Elevation show (booked for the 15th June 2018). I told him about Matthew, he sent him a copy of his book and made his day by taking the time to have a chat with him over the phone. Matthew will always remember that conversation and we seem to have been closer as well after I made the effort to make the connection happen.

So what small acts of kindness can you offer today? Also, how do you use this as a leader within your CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility). Getting your teams involved in charities for example as there are few people who do not become engaged with this simple pleasure.

Below is Matthew feeling the benefits of kindness from the kind man from Netflix!

If you are interested in thinking about kindness and putting its principles into practice in your business, I interviewed Kindness expert and founder of ‘The Five Institute’ Nick Haines a few weeks ago. Lots of great ideas in here. Click here to access the show.

Chris Cooper is an engagement specialist, coach and speaker. He is host of the Business Elevation Show on Voice America which in 2017 was the most listened to show on the business network and Co-Author of The Power To Get Things Done (Whether You Feel Like It Or Not). To contact Chris: chris@chriscooper.co.uk