Probity

Thinking about what to write on this prompt, I decided to ask a friend of mine what her perspective on being kind when it comes to business is and her response was that 'There's nothing like being kind in business. If you start acting kind in business, they will overthrow you'.

This particular statement reminded me of one particular place I worked in for about a month or so before I got admitted into the university. It was a newly built school so the proprietress was still in charge. I noticed she was always talking rudely to the employees. She didn't care who it was. Be you a grown adult or a child, she was always ready to insult anyone. When I got there, I noticed the teacher I was placed under to assist was always doing things secretly without the knowledge of the proprietress. Even things that seemed right to me, she hid them from the proprietress. Probably the proprietress believed that if you're always stern and reprimanding tow your employees, it'll foster a more productive work environment.

But did this method of hers foster productivity?

No it did not as she wasn't open to new ideas. Employees who had new ideas to make the school grow bigger and better, kept their suggestions to themselves. They were all grumpy. This did not make the workplace grow. It even hindered the business.

Business is a not a one-sided activity. You cannot be kind to your customers and not be kind to your employees. It doesn't work that way. You need people to be around you so you can achieve success.

Earlier this week, there was this program that held virtually and I was opportuned to attend. The speaker kept on emphasizing on the need for kindness where business is concerned. She told a story which I would help retell as it would be very necessary for this post. She told the story of how there was this particular dish she was asked to prepare as a caterer but had no idea about how to go about it. She went ahead to the market, greeted the woman that sells vegetables nicely and said to her 'Ma, I want to prepare edikaikong soup'.
The woman said 'Okay, I have the ingredients. Pick the quantity you want'
'Mama No, I don't know how to cook it oo' She said to the woman respectfully
'Ohh, Let me tell you how to do it' The vegetable seller described the process of making the soup and she made the soup which perfectly satisfied the customer.

This in essence, describes the beauty of being nice to others. Being kind to others will definitely earn you good things. Probably if she had been rude to the woman or acted wrongly towards her one time or the other, she might not have been able to prepare the soup to the customer's taste.

The need for kindness in our everyday lives cannot be overemphasized. Being kind in business can make a world of difference. It's not just about making money, but also about building meaningful connections and creating a positive impact. Kindness can go a long way in fostering trust, collaboration and loyalty.

Be Kind today!