Lately, there’s been a lot of division in the United States, not to mention Europe. It seems a breakout of hatred has spawned around us, particularly on Social Media and the mainstream news. It’s between the far right and the far left. The blame shifts between the two.
No matter which spectrum one is on in the political scale, hatred only begets hatred. We need to stop this.
The best way to return to a kinder, gentler world, is to practice compassion. Whether you have spiritual beliefs, or not, it works. (See Kindness: The Core of 12 Religions for a list of examples.) We need to remind ourselves of the basics and take a step back from the “great divide”.
“IF YOU WANT OTHERS TO BE HAPPY, PRACTICE COMPASSION. IF YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY, PRACTICE COMPASSION”
—Dalai Lama
In my career, I am a project manager who has managed teams, projects and people. There are those who say that being kind does not make an effective leader. I disagree.
A manager must lead their team and ensure they are engaged in their work. It is not hard to do. Simply, use kindness. Support your employees when they need it, and provide guidance. If there’s a correction that’s required, provide it. Just be kind but firm about it. Don’t chastise or bully them. Negative energy seems to make everything spiral downward, and causes unproductivity and ill feelings.
I’ve achieved great results leading teams using this mantra: Kindness Matters.
You can too, in your daily life. No matter what you do. Kindness is reciprocated. Try it for yourself. Make the world a better, kinder place. It all begins with you.
