It’s better to be kind, not merely nice

There’s a difference between nice and kind. Niceness borders on people pleasing, is often disingenuous, and is seldom productive. By contrast, kindness is all about a sincere interest in others, radiates authenticity, and often brings a positive return on the time invested. An article by Andrew Swinand from the July 21, 2023, Harvard Business Review titled “Why Kindness at Work Pays Off” got me thinking about the topic. Here are some of his thoughts as well as mine.

Be intentional

Pay sincere attention to others at work. Ask about the names of their pets, their family, their recent move from an apartment to a house.

Yes, the small things count. In going over my class reviews, a student mentioned their appreciation that I followed up on their dog’s surgery.

Demonstrate you truly understand what someone is saying by repeating back what they say in your own words to make sure you understand their message or point.

Recognize others

Again, the key is your authenticity. You can model authenticity by focusing on a recent act of a person that truly impressed you. Swinand writes:

Something as simple as “you aced that presentation in today’s meeting” could change the trajectory of someone’s entire day. Research backs this up. The brain processes verbal affirmations similarly to financial rewards, and praise and gratitude make people feel valued and increase their morale.