What you should know about kindness is no mystery. It is something that has been here for ages.
One principle I live by is this: Treat people well. Do unto others as you would like them to do to you.
Many years ago, as I was about to graduate from law school, I gave one of the custodians a copy of my book. I told him that I was graduating and thanked him for doing his job.
Everyday I saw him, faithfully doing his job. I greeted him whenever I saw him, he always responded [and with a smile].
When I handed him the book, he was surprised that I remembered him. He said something to me that has stuck with me all these years.
Ma’am, thank you so much for noticing me. You see, I just come here and do my job but the people here don’t even say hello. You have made me feel important.”
He was almost in tears. I was almost in tears. I told him that he was important. Then we talked for a few minutes and realized that we shared the same faith.
It doesn’t take much from our day to greet someone and say “Good morning” and “thank you.”
The bus driver.
The train conductor.
The janitor.
The security guard.
The folks at your job.
The store clerk.
The check-out lady or guy.
You don’t know where you will meet again.
Kindness does pay off and it even opens doors.
Often I meet people whom my grandparents helped when they were still on earth, some even before I was born and they would tell me how kind they were. They helped train some of their kids in colleges, helped the widows and neighbors and much more.
Kindness is a legacy builder.
What you do today is not about you but generations to come. My grandparents passed away more than a decade ago but their kindness put smiles on people’s faces, fed empty bellies, educated some, employed a few.
Are you kind? How do you treat people in the workplace (team members, superiors, all types of staff)? Do you have a “kindness story” and would you like to share it? Please comment below.
Belinda Enoma is a Data Privacy and Cybersecurity Consultant, Corporate Trainer and Global Speaker with a unique blend of law and technology expertise. She is a digital entrepreneur, author, ordained pastor, global conference host and mentor to women who desire to impact their generation. For bookings, click here
I believe in this 100% as you say. You never know where you will meet someone or indeed where your children might end up. It pays to always be kindness. Sometimes it feels like your kindness is taken for granted by some as a sign of weakness, but I know from experience, it is NEVER in vain.
Thank you Rose. That is so true. It is never in vain.