Why leading with kindness matters, and is superlative.

“Kindness begins with the understanding that we all struggle.” – Charles Glassman, (US medical doctor, and author.)

“Unexpected kindness is the most powerful, least costly, and most underrated agent of human change.” – Bob Kerrey (US politician, and former navy seal.)

Acts of kindness and generosity can be profoundly meaningful to others and to us. They can inspire, influence, and help unlock deep empathic and altruistic characteristics of our human nature.

The capacity to be kind is a gift to us. A gift we should be aware of to help and inspire others. Especially needed these days to deepen our solidarity, embrace our understanding of how we are all underneath really the same (human...), and how we are all connected.

“Love and kindness are never wasted. They always make a difference. They bless the one who receives them, and they bless you, the giver.” – (US author, Barbara De Angelis)

Apparently, when we genuinely do kind things to others without expecting anything in return, the wondrous chemical - oxytocin, is triggered and released in us. Oxytocin is responsible for inducing feelings of love, warmth, empathy, adrenaline, all of which alleviate moods, reduce stress and anxiety, and make us feel better.

Other examples of when oxytocin is induced, include during lovemaking, giving childbirth, social bonding and more... It is mind-boggling, that kindness when genuine and intentional, has the capacity to induce ecstatic feelings in us to the degree of the examples mentioned.

But it gets even better. It so happens, that people "witnessing" acts of kindness, can be inspired to do the same! They too can instigate bursts of oxytocin, become filled with inspiration and meaning, and choose to be kind to others when opportunity knocks.

Watch this amazing short video on the power of kindness, delivered with the most conviction.

There are obviously different types and degrees of kindness and generosity.

One type that involves instincts built on personal responsibility, values, morals, courage, altruism, and leadership, can be seen during emergencies. However, not everyone will choose to act. Why is that?

One of the most common reasons is due to the "bystander effect", coined by two US psychologists in the late 60's (John Darley and Bibb Latane). It states that during an emergency, most people will not act or intervene because they assume that other's would. And the larger the number of bystanders, the smaller the likelihood that someone will take responsibility and intervene.

Awareness of the bystander effect can inspire more people to do the right thing, assuming they realize an emergency at hand, feel safe to take action, and feel skilled enough to do that is required.

Watch this brilliant TED talk. It may change your life. It surely touched me deeply.

Here's is a short message from one of the most respected leaders in the world today, prime minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern.

"It takes courage and strength to lead with compassion, empathy, and kindness..."

leading with kindness is a choice, just like leadership. Leading with kindness requires awareness, dedication, commitment, and a mindset which becomes a way of life.

Be kind to the world. At the end of the day, love is all that really matters.

#leadership #love #kindness #inspiration #meaning