APAC Training & Development @ Vantage DC | Talent Management and Organisational Development | Proud Daddy of 2 | Ex-Amazon | Ex-Meta
Has anyone ever called you “nice” or “kind” in a professional setting? Have you wondered.. what does that really mean? Is that perceived as a weakness for a leader or a sign of over-pleasing as a team player? How much “nice” or “kind” should you be, before being taken advantage of? And if so, should you continue being nice and kind or pivot to being firm and unempathetic? My Mum, despite having no formal education, taught me something invaluable from a young age - to always be nice and kind to everyone, regardless their age, status or religion. Her kindness did not apply only to people; she would care for injured animals (birds, squirrels), nursing them back to health before setting them free. She lived simply, never chasing after wealth or material things. She finds joy cooking for us, rather than dining out at lavish restaurants. She was a loving homemaker, a nurturing mother, and a faithful wife. In the workplace, being nice and kind can feel like a challenge, especially when the environment is both harsh and competitive. But if no one makes the effort to do so, what would be left? Would it not just foster toxicity and insincerity? Is that a workplace which one would thrives in? Personally, I doubt so and everyone deserves to be treated the way 𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘 want to be treated over how 𝐘𝐎𝐔 want to be treated. #platinumrule Mummy, as the 49th day since your passing approaches, I hope you are at peace and free from pain. No matter how challenging being nice and kind can be, your lessons will live on in me, and I will pass them down to your grandchildren. You will always live in our hearts and minds. ❤️🌈 P.S. This picture was taken at Mum’s final birthday celebration a few months ago. 😭 #Love #Memories #Nurturing #Goodhabits #DoTheRightThings #Humble #LegacyLivesOn
you made me emotional while reading your post. what a lovely and a role model mom you had. I tell my kids to be nice and kind to everyone too and this is very important message to teach in early ages so that it would become a norm for them. I can tell your mom did a fabulous job supporting her son becoming the nicest and kindest person in the world, and I really mean it. Nice and Kind should be a compliment and not a weakness for sure. Thank you Steven for sharing a lovely story.
It's true. Contradictory to be "nice and kind" in the corporate world as one gets take advantage of. But I believe the core never change. Kindness will always prevails over evil. Your mum must be so proud of you and her grand children. Virtual hug for you Steven Yeo
I think your mom is an unsung heroine!
About time, may she rest in peace!
Entrepreneur | Pharma & MedTech | Strategy and Marketing | Project Planning and Implementation | Owner of Networking Hike Tribe
4moThanks for sharing your story Steven. It takes great courage to relive and talk about tough times. Glad that your mum is in a better place now. Agree with her 💯 , being nice and kind is the only right way to go. I have had nice and kind bosses, I still remember them fondly and enjoy keeping in touch with them. I have had selfish and toxic ones too, although I dont talk about them, I still remember the lessons they taught me - what not to do/be in order to become the leader I wished I had. Also agree 💯 with what you mentioned about being kind too. Treat the person the way they want to be treated/loved, not the way you want or you think they should be treated/loved.