What would it be like at your workplace if people were...

1. Just a little kinder to each other?

2. Just a little more thoughtful? – i.e. they were more mindful of how their choice of words and actions affected others, and were also more aware of opportunities to help others.

3. Just a little more compassionate?

4. Just a little more grateful? – e.g. they expressed appreciation for someone’s hard work, they thanked people who went out of their way to be helpful, they let the employee from another dept. who is always so helpful know how much they appreciated that (and told that person’s boss, too).

How would such acts of kindness affect your day and the days of your co-workers? Do you think people would feel a little more “filled up” and therefore, a little more likely to:

1. Provide great customer service?
2. Want to go the extra mile?
3. Help each other out?
4. Feel good about themselves?

I’m bringing this up because I just met with Michael Chase, the co-founder of the The Kindness Center. Both his mission to bring more kindness into the world and the fact that he clearly walks his talk (he radiates kindness) made me want to share his message with others.

True confession...I found our conversation very timely because I am getting ready to talk with someone about a difficult issue and I had been struggling with moving past my anger, and trying to get to a kindly, compassionate state. I found what Michael shared with me to both helpful and inspiring...sort of like: “Yes! That’s how I want to be. That’s what I want to bring into the world!”

In the near future, we are going to do an interview, but in the meantime, I would like to share the “9 Elements of a Kind Heart” he has outlined.

As I do, please be thinking about what each would look like in your workplace, and more importantly, how you can embody them. (I will be doing the same).

OK, so here are the 9 attributes:

Attentive – An attentive heart is one that recognizes the needs of others.

Authentic – an authentic heart is one that is genuine and acts from truth.

Charitable – A Charitable heart is one that gives yet expects nothing in return.

Compassionate – A compassionate heart is one that is sensitive towards all living things.

Courageous – A courageous heart is one that acts from love rather than fear.

Enthusiastic – An enthusiastic heart is one that displays limitless energy and passion.

Grateful – A grateful heart is one that is content and filled with appreciation.

Inspirational – An inspirational heart is one that encourages and motivates others.

Patient – A patient heart is one that waits and responds at the proper moment.