Kindness is not hard, but it is strong – Kiran Satti.
Kindness is not soft, but it is quiet.
Kindness is not hard, but it is strong.
Kindness is not weak, but it is powerful.
Brene Brown is one of my anchors in describing the complexities of kindness with simplicity, authenticity and humanity, especially as a leader.
Clear is kind – Brene Brown.
Kindness is honesty.
When you are privileged to give feedback, speaking with kindness at the core is crucial – you enable yourself to speak with integrity.
Sometimes speaking kindly will not sound as pretty as the perception kindness manifests, but being transparent with the truth is essential. When giving feedback, putting that person’s needs before yours is crucial. If you’re worried that person will react to your feedback if you’re honest, then you are worried about making yourself feel uncomfortable – you’re putting your comfort before someone else’s growth, their journey – is that kind?
Kim Scott’s work on Radical Candour is a must-read – her work embodies the idea speaking with Candour and being clear is kind.
Self Kindness: being warm and understanding toward ourselves when we suffer, fall, or feel inadequate – Brene Brown
Kindness starts from within.
Self Care is not selfish; it is necessary. Being in service of others is the most beautiful way to lead; however, to serve others, you need to look after yourself. I am blessed with a beautiful network that always reminds me to make sure I am making time for myself.
Reading, painting, experiences, woodlands, eating good food, spending time with treasured people… having the time to be you are essential.
Having the time to understand who you are is essential to nurture self-awareness, which cultivates self-kindness. Being gentle with yourself when you make mistakes, fall or feel you are not enough is vital.
Self-kindness is freeing – you allow yourself to be vulnerable bravely.
Self-kindness is self-awareness – knowing who you mean and what feels right for you; kindness is your compass to connection – to your true self and others.
Boundaries are a prerequisite for compassion and empathy. We can only connect with someone if we know where we end and they begin. If there’s no autonomy between people, then there’s no compassion or empathy, just enmeshment – Brene Brown.
Kindness connects.
Surrounding yourself with people who nurture your spirit is a life source like no other – an important one because you’re not at risk of losing who you are, your purpose and your happiness.
But it’s important to understand that autonomy grants authenticity and that connectedness should not be confused with attachment. Connectedness comes from understanding each other without enmeshment and understanding ourselves.
Candour. Self-awareness… Connection.
They all start with kindness.
Kindness is not soft, but it is quiet.
Kindness is not hard, but it is strong.
Kindness is not weak, but it is powerful.
Kiran Satti
Assistant Principal
Would you like to contribute and inspire other members of staff?
If the answer is YES, here is what to do:
Fill in the form below, and one of our team will be in touch.
If you visited our Kindness Matters website but do not have a Twitter account, do reach out, and one of our team will be in touch.
Thank you for your kindness
Your Kindness Coach
John