Leadership isn’t just about strategy, decision-making, or authority — it’s about people. And in my eyes, one of the most underrated qualities of great leaders? Kindness.
It’s easy to overlook, but kindness fuels:
✔ Trust
✔ Connection
✔ Motivation
✔ Loyalty
Signs you’re leading with kindness:
1️⃣ You listen without interrupting.
2️⃣ You empower others to grow.
3️⃣ You give constructive feedback with empathy.
4️⃣ You lead by example, showing respect for all.
5️⃣ You celebrate others’ successes.
Be human and approachable
A great leader doesn’t have to be “one of the team,” but they should be approachable. What does that mean? It’s simple: your team should feel safe coming to you with a question or a problem.
If people are afraid to admit mistakes, it might be time to work on this aspect of leadership. One way to build trust? Show that you’re human too.
Let your team see that you also make mistakes, have flaws, and face challenges. A little vulnerability goes a long way — it encourages open conversations and makes people feel safe bringing their concerns to you.
Listen without interruption
A great leader listens — truly listens —without interrupting. Ask questions, and keep asking until you fully understand the other person’s perspective. Not only will you gain better insight into the situation, but you’ll also make the other person feel heard, strengthening trust between you.
📚 Book recommendation: "The Coaching Habit: Say Less, Ask More & Change the Way You Lead Forever" by Michael Bungay Stanier.
But should you always be "the nice guy"?
Kindness in leadership isn’t about always being “nice.” It’s about creating a culture of trust and respect — where people feel valued, safe, and open to feedback.
That doesn’t mean avoiding tough conversations or sugarcoating the truth. It means giving honest, direct feedback in a way that helps people grow. When your team knows feedback comes from a place of support, they’ll be more open to it — and more likely to improve.
How to give feedback as a kind leader
✔ Ask questions first – Understand why a mistake happened before jumping to conclusions.
✔ Be honest, not harsh – Say what needs to be said, but with empathy.
✔ Be specific – Vague feedback isn’t helpful. Be clear about what needs improvement.
✔ Frame it positively – Feedback should help the other person see how they can improve, not just point out what’s wrong.
Acknowledge wins—big and small
Everyone likes to hear they’re doing a good job, yet it’s easy to overlook. Never underestimate the power of acknowledgment — especially when someone has had a breakthrough or achieved a meaningful win.
Even if it seems minor to you, it could be a huge moment for your team member. Know their challenges, notice their progress, and celebrate their wins together.
Lead positively
The best leaders bring calm and stability to their team. They foster an environment of trust and productivity, setting the tone for the entire organization.
But even the best leaders have moments of doubt. That’s why it’s important to have a support system — mentors, teammates, or friends — who can provide guidance when you feel overwhelmed.
One of the best ways to maintain balance? Journaling. Writing down your thoughts can help you process emotions, stay focused, and lead with intention.
Final thought
Some might disagree, but I truly believe in leading with kindness. You don’t need to be friends with your team, but kindness isn’t about friendship — it’s about recognizing that you’re working with individuals, each with their own challenges and strengths.
Let’s build workplaces where people thrive. Where kindness drives results. Where leadership is about lifting others up.
Let’s build businesses we can be proud of.
Have a great day,
Ralph Wolbrink
Founder @ Guram
P.S. If this resonated with you, feel free to forward it to someone who might need to hear it. 💡
