Truth, Lies and Work 207. What happens when leaders start being kind? With Jeff LeBlanc
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Jun 19, 2025 
In this insightful conversation, Jeff LeBlanc, a leadership strategist and lecturer, dispels the myth that kindness is weakness. He explains how kindness is about earning trust, not just being liked. The discussion highlights the importance of honest feedback, structured leadership, and the balance between kindness and accountability. Jeff emphasizes that kindness must be intentional and actionable, redefining it as a practice rather than a personality trait. This dialogue challenges leaders to integrate kindness with high standards for a healthier workplace.
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Kindness Means Structured Fairness
- Kindness is structured, intentional, and tied to fairness rather than mere niceness.
- It requires clear boundaries and consistency to be effective leadership, not just superficial friendliness.
Nicest Asshole vs Kind Leader
- Jeff describes a "nicest asshole" who is superficially friendly but unfair and a stern leader who is truly kind through fairness and remembering people.
- True kindness often appears less flashy but builds trust and respect more deeply than surface-level niceness.
Give Kindness a Chance
- Be willing to give people a chance to show kindness beyond initial impressions.
- Avoid judging leaders or colleagues by surface-level friendliness; true kindness includes empathy and understanding.