Kindness: The Hidden Key to High Performance (aka Don't Be A D*ck!)
- simon5396
- Oct 12, 2024
- 2 min read
In a world that often values toughness and competition, one of the most impactful and overlooked skills is kindness.
A recent episode episode of High Performance with Jake Humphrey and Damian Hughes made it clear that kindness is far from a "soft" skill—it's a superpower that can elevate individual and team performance to new heights.
The episode really impacted me with shared stories from high performers who demonstrated that real strength comes from lifting others up, showing empathy, and being kind to themselves and those around them. As Joe Hart reflected, leaning into others—even those we may initially clash with—creates opportunities for understanding and collaboration. Similarly, Rob Burrow's story reminds us that kindness can inspire resilience and support in even the darkest of times.
What stood out the most for me is that kindness isn't about grand gestures or public displays. It's often the small, quiet moments of empathy and care that leave the biggest impact, like Ian McGeechan’s father giving him his last bit of money so he could buy rounds with his teammates—a gesture that stayed with him for life.
Kindness is not just about being nice; it’s about truly understanding others (I love Joe Wicks line "if you had lived their life, you'd act in exactly the same way"), being generous with our time, and helping people thrive.
Whether it’s in moments of success or setback, kindness fosters connection and builds a foundation of trust, making it a critical element in driving high performance.
In my work with leaders and teams, I've seen firsthand how kindness can transform relationships and ignite a sense of belonging. It’s time we all recognise kindness as the ultimate high-performance skill—and practice it every day.
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