Kindness: The High-Stakes Leadership Power Move

Forbes

4 days ago

Multiracial group of business people having a meeting getty
Kindness may sound like a luxury in today's high-takes, deliver-faster, do more with less, margin-tighter world—or worse, weakness. But let's get real: kindness isn't soft. It's one of the most strategic leadership choices you can make.
The stats are on the side of kindness.
According to Gallup , only one in three U.S. employees strongly agree they were recognized for good work within the past week, and a lack of recognition doubles their likelihood of quitting within the year.
That's not tough leadership—it's just bad management.
Here's how truly great leaders maximize kindness in three high-impact ways:
Think emotional regulation. Nobody thrives under a moody neurotic boss. When you're predictable, fair, calm and transparent - especially when the stakes are high - you create a culture of psychological safety.
Kindness doesn't mean saying yes all the time or bending to the basics—it means your people know what version of you is walking through the door. That kind of predictability is leadership gold.
Here's the truth: nice isn't kind.
Nice avoids conflict. Kind tells the hard truths - with care.
When leaders give feedback directly and respectfully, people grow. Trust grows as kindness and honesty fuel stronger cultures and better decisions. Kindness as Presence
When's the last time you looked someone in the eye—not over Slack, not while glancing at your phone—and listened?
People want to feel heard and respected. Take the time - get to know you people not just how they perform at work but whats lights their fire in life.
Indra Nooyi , former PepsiCo CEO, wrote thank-you letters to her executives' parents. That wasn't fluff—it was a presence flex. She showed up, paid attention, and built loyalty that translated into results.
Being present doesn't take hours. It takes intention. And it tells your team: you matter. The Bottom Line
Kindness isn't about being liked or being a pushover. It's about earning trust, and trust is what wins markets, teams, and legacies.
So if you think kindness is soft, think again. It's clear, steady, honest leadership. It's high EQ, high return, and high impact.
Want to be a legendary leader? Start by being a kinder one.