Creating a Culture of Kindness
Recently, I spent some time at our local hospital for a surgical procedure. While I was there, something stood out to me: the kindness of the people caring for me.
From the moment I arrived, the staff was attentive, comforting, and genuinely concerned. It didn’t feel scripted or required. It felt authentic. And they didn’t just demonstrate that kindness to patients; they extended it to one another as well.
Creating a culture of kindness doesn’t just happen. It is created intentionally, one choice, one interaction, and one person at a time.
The experience reminded me of three things:
Kindness means more to the vulnerable. When we are strong and everything is going well, kindness is appreciated. But when we are hurting, afraid, disappointed, or vulnerable, it means so much more. Perhaps the most powerful kindness is the kindness we give when we don’t think the other person deserves it. Choosing kindness in the difficult moments of a relationship can change the direction of a conversation and sometimes the relationship itself.
Kindness brings peace to the unknown. Walking into an unfamiliar situation can create anxiety. We don’t know what is going to happen next. A calm voice, a reassuring word, someone taking the time to listen, or simply communicating, “I care about you,” can bring peace in the middle of uncertainty. We have opportunities to do this every day with our coworkers, clients, friends, spouses, children, and even strangers.
Kindness stays long after it is given. We may forget exactly what someone said or did, but we often remember how they treated us when we needed them. Kindness leaves a relational footprint. Over time, those moments build trust, strengthen connection, and create relationships where people feel safe and valued.
Creating a culture of kindness begins with understanding that kindness is not simply a feeling or emotion. It is a choice to demonstrate care. Regardless of the depth of the relationship, kindness reveals character. It tells people something about who we are, not just how we feel about them.
Someone around you today may be walking through something you know nothing about. Your patience, your words, your smile, your willingness to listen, or a simple act of kindness may mean far more than you will ever know.
Hats off to the good folks at DMH for creating a culture of kindness. It meant a lot.
When we shift from thinking only of ourselves to choosing to show kindness, we will make a difference.
Larry
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