“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.” -Henry James
Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate (Oxford Languages), the quality or state of being kind or affectionate (Merriam-Webster), and the quality of being generous, helpful, and caring about other people, or an act showing this quality (Cambridge Dictionary). The key here is that in order to be kind, we need to be sensitive to the needs of others and we need to be willing to act.
In addition, being kind to others increases our own subjective happiness and has a positive impact on our brains!
Studies have shown that happy people become happier through acts of kindness (Otake, Shimai, Tanaka-Matsumi, Otsui, Fredrickson, 2006). There is also evidence to show that kindness can become a “self-reinforcing habit” that “activates a soothing and affiliation component of the emotional regulation system of the brain” (Choden, 2013). In other words, being kind has benefits for our personal contentment and well-being.
How can you bring kindness into the workplace?
- Collaborate with co-workers
- Take the time to get to know students and co-workers through meaningful conversations
- Practice your active listening skills
- Be empathetic and compassionate towards others
- Send someone a WOW Service Excellence Card
- Participate in World Kindness Day on November 13
- Practice kindness year round
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