Why Kindness Matters in Leadership

In his book, The 5 Side Effects of Kindness, Dr David Hamilton outlines the science of kindness, specifically. how kindness...

1. Makes us happier

2. Is good for the heart

3. Slows ageing

4. Improves relationships 

5. Is contagious 

I like to think of kindness as the gift that keeps on giving. When someone is kind to us, we feel it, and as David says, kindness is contagious.

Wouldn't it therefore be wonderful to create workforces where everyone is kind to one another?  How much happier and healthier we would all be!

In our mental health training for managers, we talk about the subject of personal impact, creating awareness within managers of the impact they have on the people around them and inviting them, and inviting them to reflect on the kind of impact they want to have - something which not all managers have stopped to consciously consider.

The truth is we're always having an impact, it simply depends on the type of impact we have.

Kindness and Personal Impact

One of the biggest requests we receive on our mental health training for managers is tools!

Managers crying out for tools to manage mental health within team members.

When I share with managers they already have the three most powerful tools they will ever need to support their team members, I'm often met with blank faces.

It strikes me that when it comes to leadership and managing people, in whatever capacity, people are always looking outside of themselves for what it is they believe they need.

One of the reasons I love delivering mental health training for managers (or any training for that matter), is the opportunity to invite people to turn their focus from the outside world to their internal world. To show people that they already have what they need within them.

And in the case of this example, one of those inner 'tools' is the gift of kindness.

Even when managers are faced with a situation where they feel out of their comfort zone or are a little unsure of what to say, the gift of kindness goes a long way.

As Maya Angelou put it:

"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel".

Are Your Managers Prepared to Lead with Kindness?

To ensure that your management team is capable of leading with empathy and understanding, it is vital to evaluate their readiness. One way to achieve this is by providing mental health training courses that enhance managers’ self-awareness and personal impact. Managers who have not experienced leadership training can lack the self-awareness their leadership style has on mental health, such as micromanagement or communication style.

Creating a safe and compassionate work environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their mental health concerns can significantly improve employee morale and psychological safety. It also helps create an organisational culture that prioritises employee well-being. Mental health training courses can equip managers with the necessary skills to recognise signs of distress in their team members, provide support, and navigate much-needed conversations.

Additionally, creating a culture of empathy and understanding starts at the top. Leaders who model these behaviours are more likely to inspire similar attitudes among their team members. They should prioritise building strong relationships with their employees and seek to understand their unique needs and challenges. When leaders are empathetic and supportive towards their teams, it creates a positive ripple effect throughout the organisation resulting in greater engagement, loyalty, and overall job satisfaction.

It is important to note that not all managers are insensitive towards mental health or lack kindness. However, a lack of knowledge and training on how to handle such issues in the workplace can mean managers not tackling issues due to lack of confidence. Prioritising mental health training for managers and promoting open communication can help improve their sensitivity towards it.

We just completed our tenth Manager Mental Health Training session with The Mind Solution and Sara Maude. Each session included two 90-minute classes with a total of over 90 managers learning about mental health in the workplace, and then interactive discussions putting this knowledge into practice in conversations. Each sessions provided engaging training that opened the door to discuss mental wellbeing in the workplace and gave our managers tools to reach out and actively listen to their team members, as well as take care of themselves. Sara is a professional, organized, knowledgeable and intuitive presenter who is passionate about mental wellbeing. We sent out a survey following each of our trainings and 100% of the respondents recommended that we roll this training out to every manager in our company. We are looking forward to continuing offering this training to our managers every quarter. Thanks Sara!

Conclusion

In conclusion, investing in mental health training for managers is crucial for creating a positive and psychologically safe working environment where employees are engaged and productive. By prioritising mental health in the workplace, organisations can foster a culture of empathy, understanding, and support, ultimately leading to improved employee well-being and business success. Managers play a pivotal role in promoting mental health by cultivating an environment that encourages open communication, vulnerability, and inclusivity. If you want to ensure your managers are equipped with the necessary skills to lead with kindness and prioritise mental health, get in touch with us today. Together, we can create a healthier and happier work environment for everyone.