KIND: The quiet power of kindness at work

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Recognizing and understanding the importance of kindness at work, written by the author of How to be a Productivity Ninja. In the range of leadership skills, kindness is inherently quieter, more personal, harder to see - and yes, less interesting or cinematic than controversial tweets and 'bullying boss' behaviour. But the most successful leaders and organizations recognise that kindness builds empathy, trust and psychological safety, the cornerstones of so many desirable traits and outcomes in many businesses: more creativity; a better quality of decision-making; safer critical thinking; higher levels of staff loyalty, flexibility and retention; a heightened sense of engagement; and higher productivity and profitability. The central premise of Kind is that if you want to create psychological safety in your organization, then there are no better approaches than to create a culture that encourages mindful kindness - or, as the author calls it, 'kindfulness'. Kindness and empathy act in a sort of loop: acts of kindness inspire more empathy; empathy inspires acts of kindness. This in turn creates more trust between individuals, which ultimately leads to a collective sense of feeling safe to take interpersonal risks. Through this psychological safety, people communicate their riskier and more creative ideas, own their mistakes instead of trying to cover them up, give the feedback that helps people to grow (even when it risks upsetting them), and support each other with a sense of loyalty and reciprocity. By using the language of competency and performance, the author aims to convince the cynics, as well as helping already 'kindful' workers, to articulate the power of kindness and make a strong case for its greater profile in their organizations. The author argues that, far from being a fluffy or nebulous idea, kindness and empathy should be seen - and used - as 21st century superpowers. Part One of the book makes the case for how kindness can support productive and positive work cultures, and draws upon research and data from psychology, neuroscience, management theory, sociology and business research. It also busts three important myths that need to be addressed to engage the more cynical reader (or the readers cynical colleagues). Part Two is centred around the Eight Principles of Kindfulness. Each chapter covers one of the eight principles. These offer practical advice for how to make kindness part of the fabric of your team and organization, and are structured to take the reader on a journey from thinking about themselves and their mindset (kindness starts with you), through to thinking about the people around them and then finally organizational culture (it doesnt end with you). Each chapter includes: an opening quote, original graphics, a 'kindful' hero story, and a range of exercises to ensure practical action is taken by the reader. The end of each chapter includes questions for reflection and a kindness challenge.

Reviews

Kindfulness is a simple idea that can change everything. -- Seth Godin * author of "The Song of Significance" *
This book is a wonderful antidote to the Donald Trump School of Business. I would rather do business with people if I dont feel I have to count my fingers after I have shaken their hand. -- Nick Jenkins * Founder of Moonpig, BBC Dragons Den *
Kindness has been central to our approach to business at Timpson for many years. Its not fluffy or weak its strong, it builds great teams, and it leads to long-lasting success. Grahams brilliant book will show you how. -- James Timpson * CEO of Timpson *
This book puts kindness at the centre of social action. Kindness informs us and engages us in the well-being of others. Here's to us all moving forward to more kindness, and this book is definitely a good omen. -- Lord John Bird MBE * Founder of the "Big Issue" *
KIND is the business book I have always wanted to read. The insightful Graham Allcott has brought the power of kindness to us all, as his vulnerability, courage and wisdom shine through this book. One of the kindest and most powerful voices in the business world. -- Denise Nurse * CEO Success Coach, Co-Founder of Black Founders Hub and BBC TV Presenter *
This book is your guide to maximizing others potential without being a jerk. Swap scare tactics for psychological safety and become the charismatic, high-energy leader everyone loves working with. -- Jodie Cook * Founder of Coachvox and Senior Contributor, Forbes *
KIND is a keeper. With wit, warmth and wisdom, Allcott shows us how to harness the power of kindness to become better people, leading better lives in a better world. Grab a copy now! -- Carl Honor * author of "In Praise of Slow" *
This book feels like a breath of fresh air. Rather than suggesting I strive to be something more in order to be successful in life and work, it reminds me to tap into something thats been right there all along. This book gives me permission to lean on my kindness, which is free, generates excellent outcomes, and fundamentally just feels good to use. A really powerful and useful read. -- Hannah Massarella * Founder of Bird *
Ive always lived by the mantra work hard, play hard, be kind and its excellent to now have this thoughtful, helpful guide to the why, what and how on what role kindness can have in the workplace. Another inspiring read from Graham that looks set to become an instant classic for any thoughtful leaders bookshelf. -- Sophie Devonshire * CEO of The Marketing Society & author of "Superfast" *
What a lovely book. Chock-full of lessons in kindness. -- Susie Hills * Founder of KindFest *
Everyone knows this stuff, but Graham says it in a way that sticks with you throughout the day. I keep KIND on my desk like a bedside book, as a beautiful reminder. -- Derek Sivers * author of "Useful Not True" *
An incredibly in-depth study into what makes workplaces and people truly kind and how to unlock that in your own working world. Essential reading for anyone wanting to transform their management style for a new generation. -- Lisa Smosarski * Editorial Director, The Stylist Group *
I was once told that if you can be one thing, be kind. Graham Allcotts excellent book is a timely reminder that kindness is an opportunity for everyone. -- James Reed * Chairman and CEO of Reed Group *
KIND is a handbook that champions kindness as the foundation of all that we do. Kindness should be at the core of every business, shaping a world where we feel safe to be our authentic selves and accomplish our best work. The more we can be true to who we are in our professional lives, the more impactful and joyful our world becomes. Grahams book serves as a playbook for leaders and organizations who want to make kindness their guiding principle. It demonstrates how putting kindness at the heart of your business not only drives profitability but also fosters positivity that extends far beyond the workplace. It's time for businesses to embrace kindness fully. Grahams book shows us how to do just thatmaking our companies kinder, more compassionate, and ultimately, more successful. -- Carlos Saba * Co-Founder of The Happy Startup School *
I have personally suffered at the hands of unkind leaders people who, for whatever reason, think that yelling, selfishness, and throwing coffee cups is the right way to go. I wish they would read this book where Graham makes the case for kindness and lets us know how we can implement it in our lives. -- L. David Marquet * author of "Turn the Ship Around" *
This beautifully-written and insightful book shows how you can make kindness your foundation for a happier and more rewarding life at work and beyond. It weaves together compelling science, memorable principles and helpful examples all in a warm, accessible and practical way. This is the timely dose of warmth and sanity we urgently need right now and shows how we can and must create a kinder world together. -- Dr Mark Williamson * Director of Action for Happiness *
Human sense meets business sense. A grounded, practical and generous book. Graham makes the case for kindness so well you cant help but turn towards it in everyday moments of work and life. -- Grace Marshall * author of "Struggle" *
This book reminds us that kindness is not just a virtue but a powerful competitive advantage in business. -- Lauren Currie * Founder and CEO of UPFRONT *
Simple, everyday acts of kindness can change the world, and are rocket fuel for collective enterprise. In KIND, Graham Allcott makes an utterly convincing case for kindness at work, in a blend of beautifully clear writing, well-researched scientific evidence, deep thinking and engaging anecdotes. A great read. -- Sally-Anne Airey * author of "Mindful Command: The Way of the Evolving Leader" *
I am so glad of Grahams wise and humane work. Rooted in the real world and full of genuinely useful advice, its the antidote to hustle culture. -- Josie Long * Comedian & author *
At Pizza Pilgrims we put kindness at the heart of what we do. Not only is this the right thing to do from a human perspective but we genuinely believe (and have evidenced) that it delivers commercially for the business and all our teams as well. It is great to see a book that champions this approach and celebrates the fantastic businesses that put kindness at the heart of their operation. -- Thom Elliot * Founder of Pizza Pilgrims *
I have learnt a lot during my 50 years in business...but the overriding thing is that it is all about the people. You need to read this excellent book to understand what makes them tick. -- Julian Richer * Founder, Richer Sounds, Philanthropist & author *
In KIND, Graham gracefully captures the power of kindness in business and among its people. It is about nurturing our people through kindness and healing them along the way. -- Nand Kishore Chaudhary * Founder and MD of Jaipur Rugs *
Graham Allcott has written a wonderful book. Its a powerful, useful and moving work about how to improve your life and your work through something as deceptively simple as kindness. -- Frank Turner * Singer-Songwriter *

Author Bio

Graham Allcott is the founder of Think Productive (https://thinkproductive.co.uk), as well as a well-known author and speaker; his five books include the global best-seller, How to be a Productivity Ninja. He is also active on social media platforms and with his weekly email, Rev Up for the Week. How to be a Productivity Ninja has sold over 100,000 copies in the UK alone, and been translated into several languages, including Dutch, Spanish, German, Thai, Mandarin, Russian and Arabic. He's also an experienced speaker, having presented at Talks at Google, several times for the London Business Forum, General Assembly, and for 100+ corporate clients including Barclays, Amazon, Zoopla, T-Rowe Price, Volkswagen, Audi, eBay, Canon and Global Radio. Private coaching clients have also included prominent international business leaders.