In a world where you can hire anyone…

hire kind.

I recently interviewed for a job. I said, “Look, I can do this job. And I’m sure many of the other candidates can. But what sets me apart is that I’m great to work with. I’m kind. I work hard. I get along with everyone.”

I got the job.

The science bears this out.

Per Forbes: “A study published in the Academy of Management Journal found when people are on the receiving end of rudeness at work, their performance suffers and they are less likely to help others. And a new study at Georgetown University found workplace incivility is rising and the effects are extensive, including reduced performance and collaboration, deteriorating customer experiences and increased turnover.”

Other studies show you don’t even need to be the target of rudeness. You just need to observe rudeness and performance will fall.

In the seminal work, Good to Great, Jim Collins studies which Fortune 500 leaders drove exceptional performance for more than fifteen years.  He coined “level 5 leadership” to sum up his findings. Essentially, it’s a leader who is both dogged but also “self-effacing, quiet, and reserved.”

Someone who is both strong and kind.

So this week, which happens to be introvert week, let’s celebrate leaders who are not only strong, but also kind. And often quiet.

I don’t know about you, but when I have a boss who is strong and kind, I will leave it all on the field for them.  And that is the leader and colleague I want to be for others too.