My 9 to 5 is in the automotive industry. One of our best minds left for a competitor, a company where I actually have a few friends. Most of the team were making silly jokes about it. I told him they’re lucky to have him, and that I’d be rooting for him.
He’s there now, a rising star, pushing things forward better than we do. And I’m still rooting for him. not just out of kindness, but because truly seeing the value in people builds a bulletproof bridge that lasts.
I cannot think for one moment that building a business around tearing others down feels good - even if they do achieve success off the back of that. In addition I value my time and do not wish to spend it engaging with angry, overly opinionated people who cannot make space for the way others may think and feel that might be different to them. I block. Liberally. And without engagement. I would much rather build my business and live a life with a moral compass (and I, like everyone am far from perfect), but I try to treat as I would like to be treated, and I hold that thought close in my every day interactions.
I still remember seeing a sign years ago, "because nice matters," and I still carry that mantra with me to this day. Thank you for the reminder Justin!
And speaking politely and helpfully to all I meet.
My boyfriend goes spare because I do this, but gee whiz, I’m 63, I’m not about to change. Isn’t it sad, but true, that one doesn’t get compliments at home….lol
Social media do like a dog fight. However , better to focus on what really matters rather than wasting time being angry about some tweet or person you will never see or hear from again.
We have been forging alliance in the HCM segment using the exact same techniques. When we send congratulatory notes to our competitors they really got confused at the beginning, however, they really turned around and we are seeing the same kind of kindness from them also. I think kindness is infectious.
I find myself nodding in agreement as I read this. Honestly, I’ve seen too many “keyboard warriors” mistake snark for strategy.
In the long run, it’s the connectors and encouragers who build loyalty and trust. According to Harvard Business Review, high-trust companies outperform low-trust ones by 286% in total return to shareholders: https://hbr.org/2017/01/the-neuroscience-of-trust
(This is something I advise people to do in my training sessions:
✔️ Use LinkedIn’s “Celebrate an occasion” feature to spotlight others’ wins
✔️ Regularly tag and thank collaborators and mentors in posts
✔️ Set a weekly reminder to message someone just to say “well done”)
What’s been the kindest business act you’ve ever witnessed?
I make it a point to connect with competitors out of respect. Especially those who are well beyond where I am. It's out of appreciation. Like, man... You guys did it. So cool
My 9 to 5 is in the automotive industry. One of our best minds left for a competitor, a company where I actually have a few friends. Most of the team were making silly jokes about it. I told him they’re lucky to have him, and that I’d be rooting for him.
He’s there now, a rising star, pushing things forward better than we do. And I’m still rooting for him. not just out of kindness, but because truly seeing the value in people builds a bulletproof bridge that lasts.
Thanks for sharing. Kindness always wins.
That’s awesome man. An attitude like that will win long term.
I cannot think for one moment that building a business around tearing others down feels good - even if they do achieve success off the back of that. In addition I value my time and do not wish to spend it engaging with angry, overly opinionated people who cannot make space for the way others may think and feel that might be different to them. I block. Liberally. And without engagement. I would much rather build my business and live a life with a moral compass (and I, like everyone am far from perfect), but I try to treat as I would like to be treated, and I hold that thought close in my every day interactions.
My thoughts and attitude exactly.
I still remember seeing a sign years ago, "because nice matters," and I still carry that mantra with me to this day. Thank you for the reminder Justin!
Thanks for reading it!
100% kindness always wins!🏆 No need to be anything but. Being strong is not mean, you can be strong and kind. Think and speak beyond yourself😊
Love that, Jill.
Someone said to Musashi (from Vagabond): "Musashi you have become stronger. The strong are always kind"
Kindness can also mean speaking harsh truths, not out of ego but in service of truth. Not to get somewhere, but because it is compassionate and wise.
Oh for sure. You owe someone that.
I have two neighbors at our place in the Keys.
One is likely worth 200M+ and the other is well north of 500M.
They are two of the most kind individuals I've ever met.
I was telling a friend about them and he said, "Well, they can afford to be."
A similar conversation with my 11-year old and he offered this insight...
"I think that's just who they are."
We never give successful kind people the benefit of the doubt.
Exactly right, Justin.
Social media rewards fake alpha behavior. But most successful people I know got there by lifting others up.
Bingo. That’s how it’s done IMO.
Kindness first.
And speaking politely and helpfully to all I meet.
My boyfriend goes spare because I do this, but gee whiz, I’m 63, I’m not about to change. Isn’t it sad, but true, that one doesn’t get compliments at home….lol
Yep. Bring the kindness show on the road.
Social media do like a dog fight. However , better to focus on what really matters rather than wasting time being angry about some tweet or person you will never see or hear from again.
We have been forging alliance in the HCM segment using the exact same techniques. When we send congratulatory notes to our competitors they really got confused at the beginning, however, they really turned around and we are seeing the same kind of kindness from them also. I think kindness is infectious.
I find myself nodding in agreement as I read this. Honestly, I’ve seen too many “keyboard warriors” mistake snark for strategy.
In the long run, it’s the connectors and encouragers who build loyalty and trust. According to Harvard Business Review, high-trust companies outperform low-trust ones by 286% in total return to shareholders: https://hbr.org/2017/01/the-neuroscience-of-trust
(This is something I advise people to do in my training sessions:
✔️ Use LinkedIn’s “Celebrate an occasion” feature to spotlight others’ wins
✔️ Regularly tag and thank collaborators and mentors in posts
✔️ Set a weekly reminder to message someone just to say “well done”)
What’s been the kindest business act you’ve ever witnessed?
Kindness is the long game. And it feels good doing it anyway.
Kindness is not flashy and may not be as entertaining, but it builds a beautiful, strong, lasting foundation.
Won’t argue with that. Nobody wants to work with someone who treats people poorly. Doesn’t matter how good the offer is.
I wrote about this some time ago:
“Kindness won’t get you far in business.”
If I had a penny for every time someone told me this...
You read about kindness in beautiful quotes on posters and PowerPoint slides.
But in everyday life?
I’ve lost count of how often is called a weakness. Nothing further from the truth.
Kindness doesn't make me weak.
Kindness doesn't make me naive.
It actually takes courage.
Is it always easy? No.
And sometimes it's not comfortable or reciprocated.
But it's about who I choose to be .
I make it a point to connect with competitors out of respect. Especially those who are well beyond where I am. It's out of appreciation. Like, man... You guys did it. So cool