As I sat next to the Dalai Lama I could feel in his posture and his body language the power of a leader. I remember how strongly and tenderly he held my hand the first time we met. His kindness did not in any way diminish his power, a valuable reminder that compassion is a feature of strength, not a weakness.
Douglas Abrams, The Book Of Joy
Coaching Tip of the Week:
I just finished reading The Book Of Joy, a beautiful book in which Douglas Abrams captures a week of dialogue between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. I have been savoring this book for quite some time.
A few chapters after the above quote, Abrams writes, “Even if leadership requires a show of strength during moments of crisis, our humanity is defined equally, or perhaps even more, by our weakness and vulnerability.”
This week, be kind.
You never know what one simple gesture of kindness – a smile, a compliment, a moment of connection – can do for someone you didn’t even know was suffering.
You know how every once in a while (and maybe far too infrequently) someone will say, “Thank you – your thoughtful comment / action / Facebook post / kind gesture made a difference!”?
In most cases, for every one person that says thank you, there are dozens – if not hundreds – of others who think the same thing, but for whatever reason don’t say it.
Be kind, and trust in the ripple effect of your kindness.
I guarantee it’s making a difference.