"To cultivate kindness is a valuable part of the business life."
Samuel Johnson
18th century British author
Looking back over my career, including all the interaction I have had with so many people, I cannot recall much thought given to the roll, or lack thereof, that kindness plays in business.
This is not to say that others were not kind to me or me to them. They were and I was.
But having read this quote I now wonder how much of that was purposeful versus a byproduct of normal human interaction.
Should we attempt to be more kind in business?
Should we attempt to be more kind in business?
what does being kind in business mean? is it word, actions, orboth. isn't business just making money. if i give you a good job you like is that being kind to you
ReplyDeleteI try to treat everyone—clients, vendors, neighbors, friends, strangers in line at the post office—with kindness and good humor, so I don't see kindness in business as a strategy.
ReplyDeleteAnd I never thought of it as a strategy either. I'm a "square" or two back from that, cynically wondering if "kindness' figures into business at all.
ReplyDeleteIf it figures in, as in a strategy, then hasn't it become something else entirely?
ReplyDeleteJulie's question made me think how this applies (or doesn't) to companies whose product or service has to do with kindness, (churches, Salvation Army, etc.) And what about those who product/service could be viewed as a kindness, or standalone for what it is (medical professionals, massage therapists, etc.)?
ReplyDeleteGood to hear from you Julie.