Noticing and Sharing Small Acts for Big Impact
I have the luxury of scheduling comfy chairs podcast guests well ahead of time (for example, I just recorded an episode for late-May). Because of this, I often wonder if the topic of these conversations will be suitable in the moment. I questioned this as I finalized the latest episode.
Would a conversation about kindness be welcome in the weeks following the inauguration and the L.A. fires and the many current events feeding our collective worry and uncertainty?
And then I remembered: Kindness is always relevant. In fact, it is always necessary.
Kindness means having the quality of being kind. Interestingly, kind carries several definitions. In this context, we’re talking about gentleness, helpfulness, and sympathy. But “kind” also refers to a class or category. So, there’s a little linguistic playfulness going on when I ask, “What kind of leader do you want to be?”
Because this is the central question every leader should ask and answer for themselves. What quality or type of leader will you be?
I would submit that you should be the kind of leader who is kind.
There is a growing body of evidence that supports this. Respected sources like Harvard Business Review has published a good number of articles and studies about the impact of kindness, empathy, and compassion in the workplace in recent years. Some of the observed benefits include improved employee engagement and retention, more effective conflict management, and increased resilience. (Do a quick Google search on “studies about leaders who practice kindness” to see for yourself. It’s pretty awesome.)
This is not a scholarly journal, so I’ve decided to forego the citations and references. Instead, I want to provide you with a set of simple ways to incorporate kindness into your day-to-day work and leadership.
You can do any of these any day, but I’d encourage you to approach this list of practices as a one-week challenge. This will help you begin to build a habit and, let’s face it, sometimes we need a little fun (like a challenge) just because.
So, here are 7 days of ways to choose kind. (If you want to super-challenge yourself, consider stacking these practices. In other words, do day 1 and then add the 2nd practice on day 2, then on day 3 you will do practices 1, 2, and 3, and so on.)
Day 1: See Kindness
Spend today simply noticing acts of kindness—big or small. Did someone hold the door open? Did a colleague offer support? Jot down what you see.
Day 2: Be Thankful for Kindness
Think of a recent moment when someone was kind to you. Send a quick thank-you—a message, email, or even a handwritten note.
Day 3: Be Kind
Do something small but intentional today—offer a compliment, check in on a colleague, or buy someone coffee. See how it feels.
Day 4: Share Kindness
Tell others about an act of kindness you witnessed—at a team meeting, in a conversation, or on social media. Talking about kindness helps it grow!
Day 5: Practice Self-Kindness
Turn kindness inward today. Take a break, set a boundary, or reframe a mistake with self-compassion. How does being kind to yourself impact your mindset?
Day 6: Encourage Kindness
Prompt kindness in your environment—ask your team, family, or friends to share a kind act they’ve seen. Start a ripple effect.
Day 7: Reflect & Carry It Forward
Look back on the week. How did noticing and practicing kindness shift your perspective? What’s one way you’ll keep this going?
Kindness is a powerful force for connection, well-being, and leadership.
Over the course of this challenge, you will observe, practice, and share small acts of kindness, proving that even the simplest gestures can create ripples. Seven days will pass quickly, but the opportunity to notice and amplify kindness will always be present.
Imagine the impact if more people made kindness a daily habit. So, once you reach day 7, ask yourself: What’s one way I can continue to bring kindness into my work and life today?
And if a kindness story stood out to you this week, I’d love to hear it—hit reply and share!
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