Valentine’s Day has just passed and today is Random Acts of Kindness Day in Australia – and amid all this, I’m reminded that love isn’t just for our personal lives – it’s central to leadership too. Whether it’s a heartfelt note, a small gesture, or simply showing someone they’re seen, these moments of kindness matter.
For me, that reflection is deeply personal. At my local Banyo shopping centre, there’s a man who’s experiencing homelessness – like so many around us. My girls and I always look for ways to support him, even in small ways. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t just about the boardroom – it’s about everyday choices to make others feel valued. I’m very passionate about this topic – I even contributed to a best-selling book about it, called Leading From The Heart.
Here at Performance Advisory Group, we’ve set ourselves a February goal: each team member will commit to performing one random act of kindness and sharing it with the team. It keeps us energised, accountable, and reminds us how much joy a small gesture can bring.
Showing Up for Your Team:
Love and kindness are not just random – they’re strategic. Valentine’s Day offers a perfect lens to consider how we express appreciation for our teams. One practical framework I’ve explored in depth is Gary Chapman’s Five Love Languages, which I discussed on The Exceptional Sales Leader Podcast with Darren Mitchell.
Here are some leadership takeaways:
- Words of Affirmation: Acknowledge effort and results openly – don’t underestimate the power of recognition.
- Acts of Service: Step in to help when your team is under pressure – it builds trust and loyalty.
- Receiving Gifts: Simple gestures – a handwritten note, coffee, or thoughtful token – speak volumes.
- Quality Time: Be fully present in one-on-one conversations; listen, don’t just hear.
- Physical Touch / Connection: In professional contexts, warmth and presence matter – eye contact, a firm handshake, leaning in to show you care.
Tip: Delegation doesn’t replace connection. You can assign tasks, but meaningful leadership comes from showing up for your people, in ways they feel seen and supported. Delegation is a subject I’m passionate about unlocking the magic within – if you’re interested in finding out more on empowering employees through effective delegation, check out my best-selling book here.
Self-Care & Leadership Excellence:
Finally, as leaders, we must remember that kindness begins with ourselves. This week we kick off the next cohort of our Leadership Excellence Program, starting with the “Leading Self” pillar. Being intentional about your own wellbeing ensures you have the energy to show up fully for your teams.
And for those wanting to deepen connection with other leaders, our Group Leaders Coaching Program (GLEP) offers monthly group coaching masterclasses – a space to share challenges, insights, and yes, acts of kindness with fellow leaders.
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