Are you kind and positive? Chances are, people love these qualities. But if you’re at work – especially in a leadership position – you might think that being kind and positive aren’t the right traits. Maybe you should be tough to fit in with all your male colleagues. If that’s what you think, keep reading for four reasons why being kind and positive are a powerful duo and anything but weak.
Don’t suppress who you are
If you are naturally kind and positive, whatever you do, do not suppress these amazing qualities. You will only settle for less and disappoint yourself. As Silicon Valley environmental artists, Brie Noel Taylor, says, we tend to downplay ourselves because of “some deep-seated patriarchal juju about not wanting to be intimidating or arrogant or unlikable.”
But Taylor reminds that “it’s okay to shine.”
Your success depends on being positive and kind
According to life coach, Marie Forleo, “The future of business belongs to the kind, the enthusiastic, and the optimistic.” This might seem to go against everything you believe, especially since corporate America is largely dominated by male leaders. But being positive and kind can go a long way in a world that definitely needs a woman’s perspective.
As literature professor and therapist, Ilana Simons, Ph.D., writes, “An adult who is kind is kind principally because she wants to foster a collaboration — as a risky but necessary part of living a full human life.”
Positivity is contagious
By being positive and kind, you can create a work environment where people are inspired and motivated to show up and perform every day. By being positive, you give other people permission to do the same. That can create a ripple effect not only in your office or department, but throughout other businesses and companies, too.
Don’t confuse “tough” with “serious”
Former reality TV star, Lauren Conrad, has gone on to create a successful lifestyle brand, LC Lauren Conrad. And along the way, she’s had the opportunity to work with powerful, yet kind, women.
Here’s what Conrad has to say about them:
“I’ve been able to work with several women who I really respected because they didn’t take on that role of being a b—ch. They were strong, but they were kind and they didn’t need to shout to be heard. A lot of women feel like they need to be tough in order to be taken seriously. We have this idea that kindness is weakness, which I don’t think is true.”
