February 17 is Random Acts of Kindness Day. Being kind is easy to do, but it makes a big difference to those around you. It costs you nothing to show kindness. Being kind while working with others help build healthy relationships. Kindness leads to successful collaboration.
Healthy relationships with others need some level of collaboration. Even when working with strangers. You will be more successful if everyone works together. Collaboration is being able to work with others for a common goal or purpose. It will help you solve problems by learning from one another. It will give you a sense of community. It will make you a more efficient worker. Kindness is the main key to collaboration. As well as: efficiency, trust, empathy, positivity, clarity, and accountability.
Being kind helps in collaboration in 3 ways:
1. Communication Skills – Being encouraging to those around you. Be a good listener and listen to others’ opinions with an open mind.
2. Emotional Intelligence – Being able to recognize the emotions of others. Showing empathy and understanding.
3. Respect for Diversity – Being open to working with all kinds of different people. Not discriminating against others.
Take this day to recognize kindness in yourself and others. Complete a group assignment, using kindness to work together. Use this free collaboration map to follow the steps to successful collaboration.