1. From knowledge to curiosity

Once upon a time, knowledge was power. But curious leaders are far more effective. They ask questions, explore different perspectives and in turn avoid judgment, conformation bias and stereotyping. One study found that just a 14% increase in curiosity led to a 34% boost in
innovation.

2. From strength to vulnerability

Begone that old saying, “show no weakness”. When leaders open up, genuinely ask “how are you?” and listen to the response, people feel safe to safe to talk about their challenges.
This is a key driver of belonging, and research shows that when people feel they belong, they’re 3.5x more likely to give their best.

3. From control to trust

Micromanaging every move? That’s a fast track to stress and disengagement. Trusting people must come first. Why? Because trust increases oxytocin, which in turn makes teams
more trustworthy. When people feel trusted, they become better problem solvers and take ownership of their work.

4. From neutrality to positivity

Positivity isn’t soft, it’s strategic and absolutely vital to success. Neuroscience studies show that positivity at work increases productivity, innovation and creativity. And it’s contagious,
leading to better results across the team. In fact, focusing on people’s strengths (which is a learned skill) leads to 2x more engagement than focusing on their weaknesses.

5. From rationing praise to raining praise

80% of appreciated employees aren’t looking for a new job, and 67% say that praise motivates them more than money. The key to effective appreciation is to be specific with
our ABC model of appreciation:

• Action: Move away from generalisations and talk about specific behaviours, facts, what the person said or did.
• Benefit: Tell them the positive impact of their action or behaviour.
• Continue: Reinforce the behaviour – thanks, please keep doing this!

***

Kindness isn’t soft and fluffy. It drives better business results – every single time.

Join our CEO and co-founder Tim Keough in Seminar Theatre 5 at the CPD Expo on Wednesday 12th November at 11:30am to explore the compelling evidence for kindness at
work, learn kinder leadership skills and understand powerful lessons from the front-line of kind culture change.

Kindness works here.

Excited to kickstart culture transformation at pace and at scale within your organisation?
Let’s chat:
Hello@akind.life
LinkedIn