It's cool to be kind Culture and Coffee

This episode is all about the transformative power of kindness in the workplace and how it contributes to a positive culture and high employee morale.

In this episode I talk about:

🌟 The Strength of Kindness: We often misconceive it as a weakness, but it's a key ingredient in a thriving workplace.

😊Connection is the ultimate kindness: Getting to know your team, understanding them and what's important to them.

🤝 Empathy and Relationships: Building genuine connections at work isn't just nice to have; it's essential. I'm sharing some personal anecdotes that highlight how empathy and relationship-building are foundational to a kind culture.

🚫 The Kindness Killers: Ever wonder what drains kindness from an organisation? I pinpoint the culprits – from toxic competition to poor communication – and offering practical solutions to combat these challenges.

💡 Practical Kindness: It's all about the little things, every day gestures with a big impact.

💌 The Ripple Effect: Kindness isn't just about feeling good; it's about doing good and seeing the positive impact ripple through business success, innovation, and team morale.


📢 I am delighted to announce a new podcast. Inside Out Culture Podcast is a joint venture between myself and Cath Bishop who draws on a fascinating career as a former Olympic Rower, a senior diplomat specialising in conflict stabilisation, business coach, author and speaker. Cath and I will be taking a look behind the headlines of cultures in the news to find out what we can learn, what are the questions we should be asking about the future of work and how can we use the experiences of others to help us improve our own culture. Inside Out Culture launches Thursday 14th March - find it wherever you get your podcasts. 🎙️ Listen to the trailer here

Useful links 🔗


Connect with Colin on ⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠Download ⁠the Culture Whitepapers for managers and senior executives

Subscribe to the ⁠Making Great Work Happen⁠ weekly newsletter



Timestamps
**Fostering a Culture of Kindness (00:00:02)**

Colin discusses the significance of kindness in the workplace and shares personal anecdotes.



**Kindness as an Indicator of Strength (00:01:03)**

Colin challenges the notion that kindness is a weakness and underscores its importance in the workplace.



**Empathy and Building Relationships (00:02:06)**

Colin underlines the role of empathy and relationship-building in nurturing kindness within a team.



**Choosing to be Kind (00:04:13)**

Colin talks about the intentional aspect of kindness and its influence on business success.



**Assuming the Best in People (00:10:27)**

Colin relates a personal story and stresses the value of having a positive view of others.



**Elements that Erode Kindness in Organisations (00:11:34)**

Colin examines elements such as competition, stress, toxic culture, poor communication, and insecurity that can sap kindness from organisations.



**Cultivating a Culture of Kindness (00:16:28)**

Colin offers insights into how to cultivate a culture of kindness, highlighting the significance of personal stories and conversations about kindness.



**Tangible Examples of a Culture of Kindness (00:18:44)**

Colin presents instances of kindness initiatives and stresses the importance of selfless deeds without expecting reciprocation.



**Establishing a Culture of Kindness (00:19:41)**

The role of kindness, instances of minor acts, acknowledgement, and active listening in the workplace.



**Showing Appreciation (00:20:33)**

Methods of expressing gratitude, such as sending thank-you notes and presents, and the impact of promptly returning calls and emails.



**Assisting Colleagues (00:21:26)**

Assuming responsibility, acknowledging challenges, offering support, and the positive effect of kindness on individuals.



**The Influence of Kindness (00:22:21)**

The secretion of oxytocin, the euphoria from helping, and the power found