When Unkindness Feels So Easy

“Unkindness feels so easy sometimes.” It was just one simple statement in a much longer article, but wow, how true a statement it is!

Why does unkindness so often feel like the easier option? Why do compassion, forgiveness, and grace feel like such an effort sometimes? And why am I blogging about touchy-feely topics like kindness and compassion on this business leadership blog??? Haha.

Because kindness matters, and it matters no less in business.

Maybe you dreaded today going to work today because you will have to face an unkind person at work (again). Maybe you dreaded today because you’re not sure you can show kindness to someone who’s hurt or angered you (again).

This day, this week, challenge yourself to choose kindness – even when it seems unappreciated, unreciprocated, and especially when it feels undeserved.

Smile and say hello to the unfriendly coworker.
Pay a genuine compliment to the colleague who always criticizes.
Resist the temptation to snap back at the short-tempered boss.
Encourage those whose work goes unnoticed with a word of appreciation.

Today, this week, repay snark with optimism and rudeness with gentleness. Leadership is influence, and what better way to influence the pessimistic, the critical or the discouraged than with a small word or act of kindness?

Proverbs 15:1: A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

Have you registered for Impacting Leaders’ next complimentary webinar – How to Build a Team that Gets Things Done? If not, register now! It’s this coming Tuesday (Sept. 19) at noon Eastern. Hope to see you there!


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  • Anonymous says:

    This Is So Well Said….Thank You So Much for a Message as Such….And Please Remember Luke 6:35……

    • Linda Sasser says:

      “But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Yes! Another great reminder of WHY we need to choose kindness. Thank you!