Is kindness and leadership like oil and water?
- Categories Key things to help you everyday, Uncategorized, What the research tells us
- Date October 3, 2024
Being a leader isn’t just about getting results—it’s about having qualities that inspire a team to thrive. A great leader understands their team, supports them through challenges, and isn’t afraid to step in and help when needed. They foster an environment where mistakes are seen as opportunities for growth. At the heart of these qualities is kindness.
As the end of the year approaches and villages become busier, it’s easy to focus on just getting things done before the holidays. But one essential leadership trait often gets overlooked: kindness.
As Mark Twain once said, “Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” This timeless wisdom reminds us that kindness transcends barriers and connects people in profound ways.
Without kindness:
- Collaboration breaks down – People become disconnected, losing the synergy needed for success.
- Stress levels rise – The village environment becomes tense, reducing overall resident experience.
- Teams struggle – Communication falters, and cohesion disappears, making even the simplest tasks seem difficult.
When kindness is woven into your leadership approach, everything changes. You create:
- A culture of respect – Everyone feels valued, which fosters collaboration.
- Positive interactions – Residents are more engaged, motivated, and supportive.
- Inclusive communication – People feel safe to express their thoughts and ideas, leading to innovation.
4 Ways to Show Kindness in your Village
Active Listening
Pay full attention when others speak.
In a busy community, distractions are normal, but when you truly listen, it shows that you value the person’s perspective. This simple act strengthens trust between resident’s and the Village team.
Give Recognition
Acknowledge the good work of staff and residents.
Whether it’s a simple thank you in your community newsletter or a public shout-out at the next resident’s meeting, recognition motivates people and makes them feel appreciated. Remember not just to recognition your team achievements but also any resident achievements as well.
Practice Patience
Stay calm and try to understand in stressful situations.
As a Village Manager, you set the tone. When stress is high, showing patience reassures your resident’s and prevents conflicts from escalating.
Respect Boundaries
Honour personal space and time.
Being mindful of boundaries—whether they are team or resident related —this shows that you respect everyone’s needs. This helps reduce team burnout and ensures everyone feel comfortable in your community.
Kindness Costs Nothing, But Its Impact Is Priceless
In leadership, kindness is more than just being “nice”—it’s about creating an environment where people thrive. Albert Schweitzer beautifully captured this with, “Constant kindness can accomplish much. As the sun makes ice melt, kindness causes misunderstanding, mistrust, and hostility to evaporate.”
As a professional in the retirement village sector, your role impacts not only your team but also the residents you care for. Leading with kindness can make all the difference, creating a workplace where everyone feels respected, heard, and empowered to do their best.
Tag:kindness, Leadership