We spend most of our waking hours at work. That simple truth is easy to forget when we are buried in projects, leading teams, managing change, or just trying to keep up. But every email we send, every breakroom conversation, every interaction with a member or coworker is an opportunity. Not just to communicate, but to connect.
Lately, I have been reflecting on how often we forget what others might be carrying. Especially this time of year. The holidays bring warmth and joy for many, but they can also bring grief, anxiety, or financial pressure for others. That is why kindness in the workplace is not optional. It is essential.
The strongest people you know
Years ago, I worked with someone who was the definition of steady. Reliable, consistent, always composed. You would never guess that at home, she was navigating the weight of her mother’s terminal illness.
She never talked about it at work.
She showed up every day and did the job with professionalism and grace, even when she was exhausted or overwhelmed. It was not until much later that many of us realized what she was going through. And I have never forgotten that.
That experience shaped how I think about workplace culture. The strongest people you know may be fighting quiet battles that you will never see.
Grace during the hard stuff
More recently, our credit union went through a major core conversion. It was the largest project in our organization’s ninety-year history and more than two years in the making. Teams across every department worked nights, weekends, and early mornings on top of their regular responsibilities to make it happen. There were delays, frustrations, and moments of exhaustion. Tempers flared at times, and the pressure could be intense.
What kept us going was a shared reminder to extend grace. Grace to the teammate who was doing their best under stress. Grace to the departments whose timelines shifted. Grace to ourselves when we needed a breather.
And when we reached the other side, we were not just successful in the implementation. We were stronger. We had built deeper trust. We had proven we could do hard things, together.
“Nothing brings people closer together than shared struggle.” - Francine Rivers
What grace looks like in practice
Here are a few ways I have seen grace show up meaningfully at work:
- A manager who pauses before reacting and instead asks, “Is everything okay?”
- A team that rallies around a colleague navigating a family emergency
- A leader who takes the time to recognize someone’s effort without waiting for a performance review
- A culture where people are encouraged to be human, not just productive
These do not cost money. But they do require intention.
Kindness is not weak. It is transformative.
We sometimes underestimate the power of small kindnesses at work. A thank-you note. A quiet word of encouragement. A moment of patience when it would be easier to rush on.
These are not soft skills. They are leadership skills. And they are the foundation of strong teams and resilient cultures.
A Thanksgiving reminder
As we enter the Thanksgiving season, we are often encouraged to count our blessings. I would add one more to the list.
Be the blessing.
Say thank you more often. Assume positive intent. Check in with others not just about their work, but about their well-being. Recognize that empathy and accountability are not at odds. They are partners in leadership.
“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.” - Robin Williams
Final thought
High-performing cultures are built on trust. And trust is built when people feel seen, heard, and valued.
This season, let us commit to leading with a little more grace. Whether it is with a coworker, a direct report, or a member across the counter, remember that your kindness could be the best part of someone’s day.
Not because it is the holidays. But because it is good leadership. And because it is the right thing to do.
