In today’s world, it is hard to turn on the television without feeling disheartened.
The constant stream of negative news can weigh on us, influencing our mood and outlook – especially on gloomy days.
Yet, amidst these challenges, stories of kindness offer a welcome counterbalance – a theme explored by leadership expert Mark Doughty of the Global Kindness Institute, who highlights the power of compassion in communities and the workplace, showing how acts of generosity, like those of Spud Brothers in Preston, restore hope and lift our spirits.
The story of Spud Brothers, a popular jacket potato business in Preston, recently went viral for their heart-warming act of kindness.
In a widely shared TikTok video, they offered their last two jacket potatoes free of charge to an elderly couple passing by their stall. The couple accepted the food, and during their interaction, it was revealed that the woman had Alzheimer’s and had just experienced a fall. Their compassionate gesture not only provided a meal but also offered warmth and connection to individuals facing difficult circumstances.
The world has always experienced ups and downs, and that will not change.
However, technology now makes us more aware of these fluctuations – perhaps too frequently and too quickly. While we cannot control global events, we can control our actions and how we respond. Choosing a different path, one rooted in kindness, can make all the difference.
The Spud Brothers’ story exemplifies how simple acts of kindness can have a profound impact, resonating with many and inspiring others to follow suit.
The changing nature of community and work
When people come together in communities to help others then acts of kindness are amplified. My parents, now in their 90s, still reside in the same village where they were born, worked, and raised a family. When I walk with my father, a short ten-minute stroll often turns into an hour, as he stops to chat with nearly everyone we pass. He is part of something greater – a community that gives him a sense of belonging.
Today, as cities expand and people move frequently, traditional communities often fade. However, in their place, many are turning to the workplace as their new source of connection. Yet, research suggests that a significant number of employees feel isolated at work. A study by Ingenuity Design found that 56% of employees feel disconnected, while Harvard Business Review reports that one in five employees worldwide experiences loneliness at work.
This sense of disconnection often stems from a lack of trust, discouragement, and uncertainty about the future. Loneliness is not just a personal issue – it is an organisational one. In this challenge, however, lies a golden opportunity: businesses have the power to foster a sense of community within their organisations. By prioritising inclusivity, trust, and wellbeing, companies can create workplaces where employees feel valued, connected, and engaged.
The strategic advantage of kindness in leadership
As a result, whether it be a single and random act of kindness or more broadly through communities at its core, leadership is no different. Great leaders share three defining qualities:
- Trust – They are relatable and personable.
- Credibility – They are competent, believable, and achieve results.
- Purpose – They inspire and motivate those around them.
These three qualities are the epitome of kindness, which is not just a moral virtue – it is a strategic advantage.
Research consistently shows that organisations prioritising people thrive.
When leaders embrace kindness, they cultivate environments where employees feel secure, engaged, and motivated to contribute their best work.
According to McKinsey (2024), companies that invest in human capital are 1.5 times more likely to sustain high performance and experience half the earnings volatility of those focused solely on financials. Deloitte’s Global Human Capital Trends Report further highlights that organisations excelling in human leadership generate 37% higher revenue per employee. And the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 makes the path forward clear: workplaces must prioritise wellbeing, growth, and the unlocking of human potential. When leaders embrace kindness, they cultivate environments where employees feel secure, engaged, and motivated to contribute their best work.
Kindness is a strength, and takes courage
Embracing kindness in leadership does not mean avoiding difficult conversations or lowering expectations. On the contrary, it means leading with respect and authenticity – being truthful while remaining empathetic, addressing challenges while fostering trust, and inspiring people while delivering results. Kindness represents a powerful leadership philosophy that drives both personal and organisational success.
When kindness is embedded in workplace culture, it has the potential to transform businesses, elevate lives, and contribute to a more compassionate society.
A call to lead with kindness
In uncertain times, every act of kindness brings hope. Small gestures or fostering workplace community balance, strengthen relationships, and create positive change.
Small gestures and efforts to cultivate a sense of workplace community help strengthen relationships, promote balance, and drive positive change.
Leaders who prioritise kindness create thriving workplaces and communities. Kindness in leadership is the foundation of genuine strength and true leadership finesse – deliberate, strategic, and impactful.
Mark Doughty M. Ed, M.A. (main picture) is a Leadership & Talent Director as well as being a Freeman of the City of London and a Livery Member of the Worshipful Company of Management Consultants. He has worked in several sectors from retailing to professional services and investment banking. This month Mark launched The Global Kindness Institute – a global advisory firm focused on redefining leadership excellence through the power of kindness. He is also writing a book on Kindness in Leadership titled ‘One Of Your 5-A-Day (and It’s Not Broccoli)’ which will be published in September 2025.
