Two simple words.  "Be kind." That's it.  Sounds so easy, right?

Kindness is the most basic human right that we should all agree on

and subscribe to.  We've discovered that in today's world that's unfortunately not always the case.  We believe that everyone could

use a little reminder to be kind.

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Kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. And while it can sometimes have the connotation of meaning naïvety, or weakness, we now know that quite the opposite is true... Being kind can in fact require great courage and strength. Research has shown that compassionate work environments consistently have:

– Healthier employees and fewer absences

– Less turnover and an easier time replacing employees when they do leave

– Higher productivity

– Increased employee commitment and engagement

– Better customer service

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“People aren't nice to each other because they don’t have time.” 

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My name is Tracy Brusman and I am the founder of Brushing Kindness. Over the course of 20 years, I’ve had the opportunity to work with some amazing people from all walks of life and I learned that simple acts of kindness and compassion go such a long way in helping people feel creative and productive.

A few years back, I had participated in an Emotional Intelligence workshop. The group spoke on issues about the reliance on technology and how we are losing the ability to effectively communicate with each other in person, culture clashes, and how people are feeling stressed while meeting deadlines. Someone pointed out that “other employees were no longer being nice to one another as they once were.” Strikingly, it was pointed out that co-workers at this large company were no longer even greeting one another “hello."  The facilitator asked the co-workers why do they feel employees are not nice to each other. The group came to the conclusion that the main reason was because “we don’t have time.”

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I’ve reflected on that statement many times since: “People aren't nice to each other because they don’t have time.”

Now you and I both know that it takes two seconds to smile and say, “Hello” or “Thank you”.

Practicing compassion and kindness in the office sounds like common sense, doesn’t it?  But in the face of multiple deadlines, obligations, and stress, it’s easy to look for shortcuts and overlook opportunities to put these values into practice.  Whether it’s a cheerful greeting, asking about someone’s day, or simply delivering a harried co-worker a much-needed cup of coffee, acts of kindness set the tone for the office and are a simple and effective way to improve business.  I'm talking about basic kindness.

As you spread your kindness, you might just experience what research has confirmed: Kindness can be contagious.

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Why? The act of kindness actually activates the part of your brain that makes you feel pleasure. It also releases oxytocin, “the love Hormone” that helps modulate social interactions and emotion. The higher your oxytocin levels, the more generous you may be.

On a thoughtful note: Reportedly, one person in San Francisco picked up the tab for the next car in line at a coffee drive-through. This inspired the next person to do to the same. The chain continued for an astonishing 53 customers!

One good deed can create a domino effect and improve the day of dozens of people! Seems like research supports the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. The kinder you act toward others, the better you will feel.

The Process

As the creator of Brushing Kindness, I offer on-site dynamic and creative workshops to organizations - all centered on incorporating Kindness and Compassion into the workplace.

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Through a painting project called Changing Work Through Art & Kindness and through a process called “In Flow” - while emphasizing core values on Kindness, Compassion and seeing the goodness in people, students paint the Buddha.

The art process is used as a powerful tool for awakening creative thinking, developing confidence by working through blocks, creates a feeling of synergy and bonding and a team building experience that facilitates collaboration in the work environment and more. 

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Learn more about Tracy’s Brushing Kindness Workshops here.