Are you a Kind or a Nice Leader?

Practice the kind. 100 %

Let’s be real—too many leaders confuse being nice with being kind. When I bring up the topic they always look at me in some kind of disgust - definitely those who value fairness and most of all harmony.

You know what: 2 of my main values are in fact fairness and harmony, that is why of all things I refuse to behave nice!

Here’s the hard truth:

Being “nice” does not solve problems.

It does not build trust.

It does not help people grow.

It just avoids conflict. And guess what? The problems you avoid do not disappear—they fester and linger and creates even more conflict. Artificial Harmony. Exactly that!

Think back to a “nice” leader you have had in your career.

They:

1) Dodged tough conversations.

2) Sugarcoated feedback.

3) Tiptoed around real issues.

Sure, it might have felt good in the moment. The question is: did you really grow under their leadership? Most probably not.

Now, let’s look at and talk about being kind!

Kind leaders are honest, even when it is or feels uncomfortable. They care enough to tell you what you need to hear—not just what you want to hear.

Leadership is really not about being liked. It is about creating an environment where people feel challenged as well as supported as well as trusted.

That is exactly what kindness does!

Niceness? It’s just noise.

So, do you want and wish to become or be a good leader? Choose to be kind, not “nice.”