What is your Definition of Kindness?

Monday Message from Jerry Houston, President and CEO of HPISolutions

A word has been popping up in my face over the last several weeks and I felt compelled to share it with all of you;  KINDNESS

Kindness is a quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.  It is helpfulness towards someone in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper, but for the advantage of the helped (Aristotle).  Kindness is more than deeds.  It is our attitude, a look, a touch.  It is anything that lifts up another person (Plato).

We might ask the question, what kinds of acts of kindness live up to these definitions?:

Opening a door for someone                     

Letting a car in ahead of you                      

Donating to a catastrophe                           

Working at a food bank

_____________________           

Paying for the next person in line

Allowing a pedestrian the right of way

Donating an organ

Donating to a food bank

_____________________

Friendly hello

Pay it forward

Volunteering

Equality

______________

I left some blank lines; perhaps you can think of more acts of personal kindness.

How does this apply to the business world?

Seeking Win/Win                                               Assuming best intent of others                  Listening respectfully

Trusting first                                                       Doing what you say you will do                  Caring personally

Focused on the needs of others                       Honest, but kind, feedback                         Being on time

Respect the views of others                              Supporting the goals of others                   Advocating for others

______________________                    _____________________                  ___________________

______________________                    _____________________                  ___________________

 

Ask yourself, what would be the impact of increased kindness in the work-world?  How do you feel when you perform an act of kindness?

And remember,

Genuine Kindness never needs to be repaid.

Have a Great Week!