“This is the true joy in life, being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one. Being a force of nature instead of a feverish, selfish little clod of ailments and grievances, complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy. I am of the opinion that my life belongs to the whole community and as long as I live, it is my privilege to do for it what I can. I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live. I rejoice in life for its own sake. Life is no brief candle to me. It is a sort of splendid torch which I have got hold of for the moment and I want to make it burn as brightly as possible before handing it on to future generations.”
– Quote by writer George Bernard Shaw
Life is a journey full of twists and turns, but it can also be an incredible adventure if we choose to make it so. Imagine being a powerful force of change, embracing life fully, and making a real impact in the world. This was George Bernard Shaw’s philosophy, and he inspires us to follow in his footsteps.
As business leaders, we can learn a lot from Shaw’s vision by embracing the principles of #servantleadership. In servant leadership, the focus is on empowering others to reach their full potential. It’s not just about giving orders and expecting compliance, it’s about being a role model and leading by example. That’s what makes servant leaders truly special!
Creating a positive work environment is crucial in today’s world, especially with the rise of #quietquitting, where employees are disengaging from their work without necessarily leaving the company. To combat this trend, organizations need to make employees feel valued and understood. That’s why incorporating kindness into your leadership style and organizational culture is so important.
With #randomactsofkindness day just around the corner, there’s no better time to embrace the power of kindness in your organization. Studies show that acts of kindness not only boost employee happiness and well-being but also improve overall performance. So why not make kindness a priority in your workplace?
Start by recognizing and valuing the contributions of your employees. Give them positive feedback, acknowledge their efforts and achievements, and always be open to hearing their concerns and ideas. Show your team members that you truly care about them, and watch your organization soar to new heights. Remember, kindness is not a weakness, but a source of strength and inspiration.
John Mackey, co-founder and former CEO of Whole Foods Market, is an example of a shining leader who practiced servant leadership principles in his approach to business. Mackey believed in creating a workplace culture that was centered on multiple stakeholders – serving and supporting employees, in addition to serving customers, communities, and the environment.
At Whole Foods, Mackey created a culture that valued kindness and compassion. In Conscious Capitalism: Liberating the Heroic Spirit of Business, the book Mackey co-authored, he explains that ending all meetings with appreciation “shift[ed] people out of their space of judgment and back into one of love.” Expressing appreciation is a form of kindness that has powerful effects on everyone involved – shifting their consciousness. At Whole Foods, small practical habits led to high levels of employee satisfaction, which in turn led to better customer service and stronger relationships with customers. Whole Foods became known for its commitment to quality and its ethical business practices, which attracted customers who shared these values. As a result, Whole Foods experienced tremendous growth and became a leader in the organic and natural food industry. It turns out, kindness is good for business.
To guide you on the journey toward servant leadership, consider these reflective questions:
1. We are all interconnected within a greater system, and our acts of kindness have the power to ripple out and affect not just ourselves but also those around us. To maximize the impact of kindness, consider how your actions can positively influence other stakeholders in your personal and professional life.
2. At the heart of any significant change is our personal relationships. Take a moment to reflect on one relationship in your life that could benefit from a little extra kindness. Whether it’s a colleague, a friend, or a family member, small acts of kindness can make a significant difference in how we interact and connect with others.
3. Our perceptions shape our experiences, and it’s important to examine our views on kindness. Do you see it as a strength or a weakness? It may be helpful to broaden your perspective and understand that kindness can be a source of strength and inspiration, rather than a sign of weakness. By embracing the power of kindness, we can create positive change both in ourselves and in those around us.
Now go forth, embrace the joy of life, be kind, and make a real difference in the world! The harder you work for your purpose, the more you live, and the brighter your torch will burn.
With love,
Elina
