The Kindness of Leaders

Hal Gottfried
2 min readJan 21, 2024

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In the bustling corridors of business, where strategies and metrics dominate conversations, I’ve noticed something quite profound — the transformative effect of gratitude. Often, we’re consumed with driving innovation and pushing boundaries that we overlook the human element that powers our endeavors.

Over the years, I’ve discovered an often underrated tool for motivating my team: recognition.

Acknowledging someone’s effort with a genuine ‘thank you’ may reignite their passion and fuel their creativity. It’s about letting each team member feel seen and valued for their unique contributions.

This shift towards appreciation extends beyond the confines of our office walls and the strictures of the nine-to-five grind. It spills into the very ethos of our company culture, where every individual no matter their role, is recognized as a pivotal piece of a larger puzzle.

In this environment, shaped by the genuine kindness of leaders, employees flourish. High-performing teams are not just constructs of skill and knowledge but, more crucially, the product of empowered individuals who feel their worth and know their work matters.

These moments of kindness are not just about morale; they’re a strategic advantage. In a world where companies vie for top talent, it’s the leaders who show they value their people who win. Employees don’t just want a paycheck; they want purpose, and they stay where they feel they make a difference.

So I urge you, let us be diligent. Let’s not allow recognition to be an afterthought or a line item on a meeting agenda. Let’s weave it into our daily practices. With every acknowledgement, we’re not just saying “well done” but also, “you’re an essential part of this journey.”

Today’s leaders are guardians of tomorrow’s legacies. By embracing the kindness of leadership, we don’t just leave a mark; we build a path that guides others to their own excellence. Let’s foster not only a workplace but a space where kindness reigns as a currency of our collective success.

To everyone who strives to lead with empathy and kindness, your approach does not go unnoticed. It’s an inspiration and a reminder that, in the relentless pursuit of success, humanity remains our most precious asset.

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Hal Gottfried

Extrovert. Problem solver. Thinker. Entrepreneur. Troublemaker. Polymath. Incurable reader. Perpetual Student and Tinkerer.