I have been thinking about the word, “Kindness” a lot lately.

We teach our children to be kind to others, or at least I do. We hear it made into days like, “Random Acts of Kindness” day or in slogans such as, “Kill them with Kindness”. All my life I’ve seen the signs; bumper stickers, highway billboards and even on VCR tapes, “Be Kind, Please Rewind!”. Everywhere you look, a reminder to be kind!

Be Kind. Be Kind. Be Kind.

kindness   

1. the state or quality of being kind.

2. a kind act; favour.

3. kind behaviour.

4. friendly feeling; liking.

Synonyms: benignity, benevolence, humanity, generosity, charity, sympathy, compassion, tenderness.

But what does KINDNESS actually look like in the business world?

I have met some pretty mean people in business; blogging, banking, church. etc. You name it, they’re there. People who will do anything and climb over anyone to get to the top. People who smile at you while sticking the knife into your back. I hate to say it too but this seems to be especially true of WOMEN! There is a misnomer out there that when it comes to the workforce, “good girls finish last!”

Stephanie Smirnov, President and Chief Creative Officer of DeVries Public Relations and writer of “Like the Vodka” spoke during a business session at the BlissDom Conference last week. Her topic… “LIKEABILITY 2.0: Women, Influence and the Social Web.”

She made us think with questions like, “Can you be nice without surrendering your effectiveness?” and “Is being likeable the same as being popular?”

She listed a couple very powerful women in the business world who were mean and not liked at all and some who were very successful, approachable and loved.

Don’t believe the lie that tough = strong.

In the movie, “The Devil Wears Prada”, Meryl Streep’s character Miranda Priestly, perpetuates the notion that in order to be a successful woman in the business world, you need to be a cold-hearted snake. Unreasonable, unkind, uncaring, and unapproachable! Any other un-words you wish to throw in there? We are only allowed to see small glimpses of vulnerability and likeabilty.

Stephanie gave us the example of Donna Karan, American fashion designer {DKNY}, the epitome of all things likeable. She is a strong, powerful and highly respected business women whose, “proof is in the pudding” that she is real and approachable. It’s true, she proved it… you CAN be nice AND be effective!

She left us with a few good nuggets to chew on! Here’s just one; appeal + talent + audience that cares = INFLUENCE.

That’s what I want to be when I grow up. Influential because not only do I have appeal and talent but I CARE and those working with me, or for me, or merely just observing me, have no doubt about it!

This also makes me want to hang around with those who possess these same characteristics, whether it’s with deep friendships or people I do business with. The Bible says, “Iron sharpens Iron.” What others have will rub off on me and will either bring me down or improve me. If people are nasty, conniving, inconsistent, etc… I do not want them influencing my life or my business in any way, shape or form. What help or success they may bring you will only be temporary.

I don’t know how much more I can stress this… align yourself with GOOD people!

I chose to surround myself with those who have not lost their grip on kindness, love and loyalty. I will work with those who have earned a reputation for living well. In choosing to live and work this way, I know I will succeed. It may take a little bit longer… but it will be worth it!

Don’t lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.
Tie them around your neck; carve their initials on your heart.
Earn a reputation for living well
in God’s eyes and the eyes of the people. ~ Proverbs 3:3 (MSG}

~

Whoever goes hunting for what is right and kind
finds life itself—glorious life! ~ Proverbs 21:21 {MSG}