Posted on November 6th, 2025

by Donna Paige Riley, Master-Level Etiquette and Leadership Trainer and Coach

During a recent workshop, a debate broke out about whether being kind means you will lose respect on the job. That discussion stayed with me, and it inspired the message I am sharing below. 💙

💡 Kindness at Work: Strength or Weakness?

Recently, while presenting one of my workplace etiquette workshops, a debate arose about kindness at work. Several participants shared that being kind can sometimes cause others not to take you seriously. One person even said, “You have to mean mug, especially if you’re new—otherwise people will walk all over you.”

That conversation stayed with me. It is what inspired me to write this post and to share a quote I often remind my clients of:

“In a world that often rewards aggression, kindness is quiet strength.”

Some believe that being kind in the workplace means you are soft or easily taken advantage of. But the truth is, kindness is not weakness.

Kindness requires emotional strength, discipline, and self-awareness. It takes courage to stay respectful when others are reactive. It takes wisdom to lead with grace instead of ego.

Kind leaders and team members:
✅ Communicate with empathy and respect
✅ Set clear boundaries without being rude
✅ Encourage collaboration instead of competition
✅ Build trust that fuels real success

Kindness does not mean saying “yes” to everything. It means choosing to respond with character, not chaos.

That kind of strength transforms workplaces into environments where people feel valued, seen, and motivated to give their best.

💬 How do you show kindness at work while maintaining respect and professionalism? I would love to hear your thoughts below.

✨ Let’s redefine professionalism through kindness.

#Leadership #CharacterDevelopment #WorkplaceCulture