Think strong leadership and words like confident, decisive and strategic spring to mind. Kindness is rarely associated. But it’s a key power, asset, skill when in a leadership position.
Its not about avoiding tough conversations, its quite the opposite. Its not about being gushingly nice. Its about being empathetic, emotionally intelligent and having a genuine concern for people whilst not compromising on results
I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside and be led by some of the kindest leaders. Ones who saw my potential when I didn’t. Ones who acted with clarity so I always knew where I stood and what my purpose was within an organisation.
What Does Kind Leadership Look Like?
Kind leaders aren’t pushovers. They are:
- Clear in their communication, but not cutting
- Open to feedback, not defensive
- Supportive of others’ success, not threatened by it
- Generous with recognition, not hoarding credit
- Calm under pressure, not reactive
They create teams that are psychologically safe, collaborative, and motivated to do great work — not out of fear, but because they feel seen and respected.
Why Kindness Works in Business
Kindness has real benefits in the workplace. Research shows it can lead to:
- Higher employee engagement
- Reduced turnover and burnout
- Stronger team performance
- Better problem-solving through open communication
Put simply, people do their best work when they feel valued. Kind leaders make that possible.
Misconceptions About Kindness in Leadership
It’s time to retire these outdated beliefs:
- “Kind leaders get walked over.” Not when kindness is paired with boundaries and clarity.
- “Kindness means avoiding hard truths.” The opposite is true — it takes courage to offer honest feedback with empathy and make tough decisions which are right for an individual or the business.
- “You can’t be kind and effective.” Many of the world’s most respected leaders lead with compassion — and drive results.
Small Acts of Kind Leadership
You don’t need to overhaul your style overnight. Start with:
- Remembering personal details — it shows you care.
- Asking someone how they’re really doing — and listening.
- Giving credit publicly and feedback privately.
- Offering flexibility when someone is juggling more than usual.
Try This Journaling Prompt
How do I show kindness as a leader? Where could I offer more without compromising my standards or values?
Final Thought
Kindness isn’t a weakness. It’s a leadership advantage. When done right, it builds trust, loyalty, and performance — all the things any good business needs to thrive.
At Ambitious Kind we see kindness as a powerful, modern leadership skill.