The Value of Kindness

The Value of Kindness – By Arnie Wohlgemut

This is a little story of an example of kindness by an unknown author. I will explore this a little bit more below:

My grandmother always cooked tasty food. But one day, she put a burnt pie in front of my grandpa.

Not just a little burnt, but black as coal!

I waited to see what my grandpa would say. But he ate the pie and asked how my day was.

Then I heard my grandma apologize to him for his dinner. I will never forget his response. “Dear, I like your pie.”

Later, I asked him if he told the truth. He put his arm around my shoulder and said, “Your grandma had a tough day at work.”

“She was tired. The burnt pie did not harm me but, a sharp word could have hurt her.”

We all make mistakes. We should not focus on the mistakes but, support those we love.

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.”

Mark Twain

I love this story because I see two important leadership lessons in it.

• Insight into someone’s world.

Clearly grandpa knew what kind of day grandma had. We are not told how he knew but I believe it is safe to assume he loved and cared for her enough to see the signs of a tough day.

As leaders, we have the challenge of the day-to-day whirlwind of activities and pressure. We also can take the time to know our team members through our daily interactions and one-on-one moments. It is there, if we really listen, we learn more about the person than just the status of the the task.

“Turn your wounds into wisdom.”

Oprah Winfrey

• The value of a kind word.

I see that grandpa understands the value of kind words and actions (eating the burnt pie without complaining). It is quite possible that he has experienced the pain of sharp words directed at him or the results of sharp words that he himself had spoken.

Many have written about leaders’ responsibility to add value to their team but, it is seldom recognized that leaders can add value just by silence. Knowing when to speak and knowing when to keep silent is an invaluable leadership skill.

Always remember that leadership is a privilege. When you are in a leadership role your influence will likely affect the trajectory of people’s entire careers and, often, their lives.