Traditionally, kindness has been considered a personal attribute whereas business is business. While being kind might have made you more likeable, business principles dictated that one had to have a competitive, win at all costs type of a personality. After all, personal life and work do not mix.
More recently, we see kindness and similar attributes not just being accepted into the world of business – they are considered a prerequisite for business success. This line of thinking has merit.
With the advent of social media and the era of open conversations, being kind, definitely gives people the edge.
A hiring manager who helps out a candidate by providing constructive feedback (even if the candidate did not make the cut), leaves a memorable impact. Years down the line, the same candidate might be in a position to help out the hiring manager.
Circle of life!
A colleague being kind to new joiners, might end up being part of a successful company when one of them ends up starting it.
Karma!
Employers who look out for their employees, especially in challenging times, do themselves a favour, resulting in positive employee reviews and better company image – not to forget the employee morale and low turnover.
What goes around comes around!
However such advice should be taken with caution so as to not fall into the trap of using kindness as a currency, a stepping stone to success. Being genuinely kind is the way to go and any initiatives to fake this attribute can only ever lead to short term success at best.