In partnership with

Read on Website
Read Time: 4 minutes

Welcome to the Tuesday Trailblazer, my weekly newsletter delivering actionable insights from my personal experiences and 15+ years in leadership.

A huge thank you Huel for sponsoring this weeks newsletter!

You’re Doing Breakfast Wrong

Discover Huel Black Edition—complete nutrition without compromise.

With 40g of protein and 27 essential vitamins, it’s the perfect meal for your busy life. Whether at home or on the go, fuel up in seconds with a high-protein meal.

Even better? New customers get a bundle of savings to kickstart their Huel journey. Use code BEHUEL15 for 15% off your first order, plus a FREE t-shirt and shaker.

Get 15% Off Now

Today’s Email:

Hey there, Trailblazers! 🌟

We’ve all heard that “kindness is free,” but when it comes to leadership, it’s more than just a nice saying—it's a strategy that can make or break your team’s success.

Think about it: when was the last time you felt truly appreciated or supported at work?

It probably left a lasting impact, right?

Well, that’s the power of kindness in action.

In today’s edition, we’re diving into how small acts of kindness can transform your team’s environment and create a ripple effect that boosts productivity, morale, and collaboration.

What we’ll cover off:

• How kindness can transform your team's environment and productivity.

• 10 acts of kindness that are simple but powerful.

• How to implement each act with purpose and intention.

• Why kindness is a leadership strength, not a weakness.

As we head into the new year, how do you want to perceived as a leader?

I’ll never forget a moment that shaped the way I lead today.

Years ago, when I was leading a store team, we had just wrapped up a challenging quarter—one of those stretches where everything feels like a grind.

Our team was running on fumes, morale was low, and I wasn’t sure how to turn things around.

One day, during a particularly chaotic afternoon, one of my team left a handwritten note on my desk. It was simple, just a few words: “Thanks for always having our back. We see the effort you’re putting in, and it matters.”

To this day, I still don’t know who left that note on my desk.
At this time I was leading a team of 50+ so asking the question wasn’t high on my priority list.

That note hit me like a ton of bricks. It reminded me that leadership isn’t about big, flashy gestures. It’s about showing up for people. It’s about connection, gratitude, and the little things that make people feel valued.

That moment taught me a powerful lesson: Kindness isn’t just a personal virtue; it’s a leadership strategy.

Fast forward to today, and kindness is at the heart of how I lead. It’s why I make time for one-on-ones, celebrate small wins, and stay intentional about creating a positive team environment. It’s the glue that builds trust, fosters collaboration, and keeps the team moving forward.

In today’s edition of the Tuesday Trailblazer, I’m excited to dive deeper into how small acts of kindness can transform your team, your culture, and your results. Let’s kickstart the new year with intention, purpose, and a renewed focus on the small actions that make the biggest difference.

Now, let’s get into the strategies that can make kindness your leadership superpower.

Kindness in the workplace isn’t just about being nice. It’s a leadership tool that can increase productivity, boost job satisfaction, and improve employee retention. Studies show that when people feel valued and respected, they perform better and stay committed longer. As leaders, our small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, creating a thriving, positive work culture.

Too often, leaders overlook the power of kindness, assuming it won’t get results or isn’t worth the time. But the truth is, investing in a culture of kindness can lead to deeper trust, stronger collaboration, and better outcomes for everyone.

Roadblocks: Common Mistakes Leaders Make

1. Fearing That Kindness Equals Weakness: Many leaders worry that showing too much kindness will make them seem soft or ineffective. But kindness paired with clear expectations is a powerful balance.

   
   

2. Being Inconsistent: It’s easy to be kind when things are going well. The real challenge—and where the most impact lies—is staying kind and supportive during stressful times.

   
   

3. Neglecting Individual Needs: One-size-fits-all kindness doesn’t work. Leaders sometimes forget that different people need different forms of support and recognition.

   
   

4. Assuming Kindness Takes Too Much Time: Small acts of kindness don’t have to be time-consuming. A genuine “thank you” or a few minutes of active listening can go a long way.
   

10 Acts of Kindness for Leaders

1. Offer Assistance
   What: Lend a hand when someone is struggling.
   Why: Helping teammates boosts morale and creates a sense of unity.
   How: If you see someone overwhelmed, ask, "Is there a way I can support you right now?"

   
   

2. Share Knowledge
   What: Organise short, helpful training sessions.
   Why: Sharing insights empowers your team and promotes growth.
   How: Schedule a 15-minute session to share a productivity tip or skill that’s made a difference for you.

   
   

3. Be a Good Listener
   What: Listen without judgment or interruption.
   Why: Feeling heard makes people feel valued and understood.
   How: Practice active listening by giving your full attention, nodding, and summarising what you hear.

   
   

4. Provide Constructive Feedback
   What: Give feedback that is specific and action-focused.
   Why: Constructive feedback helps people grow and improve.
   How: Frame feedback with examples and focus on behaviours, not personalities, like "I noticed X, and I think doing Y could help."
   
   

5. Respect Time
   What: Keep meetings efficient and respect others’ schedules.
   Why: Valuing time reduces stress and increases productivity.
   How: Set a clear agenda for meetings and stick to it, ending on time whenever possible.

   
   

6. Recognise Efforts
   What: Celebrate wins, both big and small.
   Why: Recognition motivates people and shows you appreciate their hard work.
   How: Give genuine praise in team meetings or write a heartfelt thank-you note highlighting their impact.

   
   

7. Mentor Others
   What: Guide and support junior colleagues with your experience.
   Why: Mentorship fosters personal and professional growth.
   How: Offer to meet monthly for coffee or a virtual chat, sharing lessons you’ve learned in your career.

   
   

8. Be Reliable
   What: Follow through on your commitments.
   Why: Being dependable builds trust and strengthens your reputation.
   How: Use a calendar or task list to track promises, ensuring you deliver what you say you will.

   
   

9. Lead With Positivity
   What: Spread a good attitude, even when times are tough.
   Why: Positivity can lift everyone’s spirits and make challenges easier to face.
   How: Start meetings with a quick “win” round where everyone shares something positive from their week.

   
   

10. Collaborate Effectively
    What: Work together, share credit, and support ideas.
    Why: Teamwork drives innovation and builds a sense of belonging.
    How: Use language that unites, like “we” and “our,” and make sure to acknowledge everyone’s contributions.

How to Have an Impact: BetterMe 100 day challenge

For this week’s impact challenge, I want to share something from one of my favourite wellbeing advocates Victoria Repa (CEO of BetterMe).

You can pick 10 acts of kindness to practice or use the ones I’ve shared above or from Victoria’s list she’s chosen for her team on the sheet.

You can do this challenge with your team or start it on your own.

I’m sure others will want to join in soon.

By day 100, kindness will be a habit, transforming your workplace for the better.

Kindness isn’t a weakness; it’s a leadership superpower. When you lead with kindness, you inspire loyalty, boost productivity, and create an environment where everyone can thrive. Remember, small actions can lead to big changes.

What’s your favorite act of kindness at work? Let me know in the comments!

Until next Tuesday,
Howard

I have built and led teams across 3 successful businesses and have over 15 years of people and business leadership experience.

Over the past 4 years, I have grown my business working with “busy” leaders across multiple industries (retail, hospitality, construction, mining, education) and helped them simplify their leadership.

Igniting their impact in leadership and at home.

Let me share my insights and help you:

• Reclaim your time

• Prioritise your wellbeing

• Achieve work/life harmony

• Improve customer centricity

• Connect & elevate team culture

• Simplify your leadership beyond busy

• Building a bench and plan for your successors

Book A 1hr Leadership Coaching Session Here

If you we’re forwarded this email, subscribe and get my
FREE 5 day “unglorify busy” email course here