Working It
How to be a kind manager – without being a pushover
Nov 5, 2024
In this conversation, Graham Allcott, founder of Think Productive and author of "KIND: The quiet power of kindness at work," alongside Bonnie Hayden Cheng, management professor and author of "The Return on Kindness," dive into the transformative power of kindness in leadership. They discuss how kindness boosts employee engagement and productivity, the distinction between kindness and niceness, and strategies for maintaining kindness even in tricky team dynamics. Their insights shed light on how empathy can lead to stronger workplace relationships and better outcomes.
18:14
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Being a kind manager fosters trust and psychological safety, enhancing team performance and employee engagement in the workplace.
- Establishing kindness as a core company value encourages open communication and accountability, transforming dysfunctional teams into supportive and high-performing units.
Deep dives
The Role of Kindness in Leadership
Kindness is emerging as a vital trait in effective leadership, countering the common perception that strong leaders must prioritize toughness over empathy. Leaders who embody kindness can inspire trust and foster a supportive atmosphere, ultimately boosting productivity and innovation within their organizations. As illustrated by Graham Olcott's experience during a keynote speech, discussions around kindness can spark debates among audiences, highlighting the divide in views toward its value in business. The prevailing misconception equates kindness with weakness, yet the conversation emphasizes that kind leadership is essential for driving meaningful results in complex environments.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
