CONVENTION CENTERS:
LEADING WITH KINDNESS By Carrie Paolone, CMP, CEM, CVP
Over the course of my career, I have come to read many how- to books on the subjects of leadership, motivating employees, and showing them the path towards realizing their greatness. While I can always browse the shelves of my favourite bookstore for a new best- - rection of books on leadership, basically because I thrive on leading teams of people to try harder and do better. I have titled myself an “empathetic badass,” which is my way of
feelings, thoughts, and attitudes of others around me. Before I came full circle in identifying with this title, I had to spend a bit of time trying to understand if I could be successful at practicing it in my professional life. I think I can say that the moment I decided to fully embrace was when a long-time friend and mentor spoke to me about empathy and kindness as leadership qualities. Kindness Leadership, as it’s been appropriately named, is a kind
that for the majority of people kindness is already innately within them, waiting to come out but often suppressed due to fears of look- kindness we want to show, embrace it like I did by bringing the fol- lowing items into play.
MR. GRUMPY PANTS The people who are usually the hardest to be nice to, like Mr.
Grumpy Pants, need it the most. A little kindness towards these peo- ple can go a long way in turning their negative attitude around, even are faced with a person who is constantly unhappy, especially an an- tagonistic colleague, it’s only natural for us to follow their lead and respond accordingly. Try instead to gently nudge at the reason for their hostility by showing him or her a little empathy, because it’s possible there is something happening in that person’s life which may bad news that has turned their whole world upside down. You have
38 Facility Manager Magazine
nothing to lose by lending an ear, and if a change in them doesn’t im- mediately show, know that you’ve still done a good thing. Never un- who just wants someone to hear them out. I have recommended this they don’t get sucked in and escalate the situation unnecessarily. I that demonstrate understanding.
“Be kind to unkind people, they need it the most” – Unknown
KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS -
ample you’ve set. Think about the wave at a baseball game. It usually starts with one or two people, and before you know it the whole sta- dium has joined in. Kindness can work that way too, with a conta- - ing at someone, giving a genuine compliment, or asking about his or her day can completely change that person’s mood and lift them up to higher spirits. I’m a big fan of Random Act of Kindness Day, one day a year. When I see the way in which people randomly give something of themselves on this one particular day, without asking make in the lives of others. Don’t wait for a special day that comes - watch with glee as it trickles down to your clients and guests. Who doesn’t want happy clients and guests, am I right?
“Remember there’s no such thing as a small act of kindness. Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.” – Scott Adams
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48
