Small change: at least be kind

If you can do nothing else, at least be kind.

Let’s face it: sometimes the news isn’t good. Those budget cuts are final. That role doesn’t have a future. That division does need to close.

When faced with this type of change, leaders have a choice: to be kind to the people affected or kind to themselves. What does the latter look like? Examples include avoiding delivering the news in person, orienting the conversation around your own hurt feelings, and not allowing those affected the right to reply. This might make you feel better in the short term. But it represents an abject failure of leadership that will damage your relationships and your reputation.

Sometimes the kind thing isn’t the ‘nice’ thing. And sometimes it really isn’t about you at all. However difficult it might feel, when the news isn’t good consider what it means to be kind to those affected. People might not thank you for it, but they will respect you.

Something to consider: how would I wish to be treated if the boot were on the other foot?

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