How to Be Kind Instead of Nice (and Why it Matters)

On this episode

Who, at one point in their career, hasn’t made an already bad day worse by being irritable or dismissive with a colleague? If you’re like most people, you’ve probably thought over that short, sharp exchange and felt bad about it… maybe you’ve apologised the next day.

But being kinder to others doesn’t start with beating yourself up – quite the opposite. When we slow down and manage our time better, and treat ourselves as we would treat a friend, we’re more likely to act kindly toward others.

Kindness is a skill we can practise, and it starts with learning to listen deeply and creating a sense of psychological safety where everyone feels free to raise questions or concerns. By creating clear expectations and building trust in our teams, we can nurture a culture of kindness where everyone feels valued and supported.

Kindness isn’t simply about being “nice” or becoming a people-pleaser, but about communicating with calm and clarity. When those feelings are absent, colleagues may feel unsafe and disconnected, misunderstandings and miscommunication can creep in, and mistakes can happen as a result.

But there are small opportunities we can find every day to practice the skill of kindness. Whether it’s offering a word of encouragement, setting clear expectations, or simply being there for someone, these small acts can make a big difference.