Learn about the effect kind words and acts have on helping things get done faster.
- Few people would disagree with the idea that being kind is a good thing to do. But what if I told you it's also a productive thing to do? The words that you use and the tone of voice that you use when you say those words can have a direct influence on your time management. First, let's consider the alternative. We've all seen something like this, or perhaps experienced it firsthand. You're dining at a restaurant. Another diner is extremely rude and condescending to the person serving them.
As a result, the server decides to take a little extra time, because they were offended. Perhaps they get something incorrect in the order. As a result, the rude person gets their food slower, and perhaps it's incorrect. One might argue the server should be a professional and do their best, in spite of their customer's behavior. To a degree, this is true. However, even if they did their best, their performance time and ability are likely to decrease because of the negative physiological reaction they have to unkind words.
Our brains are naturally built to have a fight or flight instinct during conflict. This is normal. However, while it's a great skill for survival, it's not a great mindset when trying to do work. I'm not saying that we shouldn't hold people accountable. We should. And I'm also not saying that we don't need to directly correct team members sometimes. We do. But even during those moments, respect and kindness shown toward other people facilitates better work and faster work.
A study at the University of Warwick found that happy workers were 12% more productive and unhappy workers were 10% less productive. Think of kindness as spreading happiness and think about the next interaction that you're going to have today. You can implement this principle immediately, yourself. Ask, what can I do to spread just a little bit of happiness to this other person? It doesn't take much.
A smile, a professional compliment, even a high-five or a fist bump for a job well done, whatever fits your comfort level and your personality. Practice kindness as an experiment. Pay attention to what happens to both your productivity and the productivity of the person you're communicating with. I believe you'll find what I have found, that being kind is effective time management.
Author
Updated
4/15/2019Released
4/11/2016Productivity expert Dave Crenshaw provides techniques on a wide variety of topics, designed to help people better manage their time and ultimately become more productive. Tune in to learn about everything from managing emails and calendars to setting priorities, collaborating with coworkers, reducing interruptions, crafting a "productivity mindset," and creating a more comfortable and effective work environment.
Have an idea for a future video from Dave? Submit it using our course feedback form. If you want more time management strategies now, we recommend watching Dave's Time Management Fundamentals course.
- Reducing interruptions
- Dealing with feeling overwhelmed
- Responding to quick questions
- Making the most of meetings
- Following up
- Implementing a closed door, open calendar policy
Skill Level Intermediate
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Introduction
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Welcome43s
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1. Time Management Tips
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Power tips for sending email3m 14s
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Positive procrastination3m 15s
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Remove the "busy" tag2m 58s
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Manage digital interruptions4m 19s
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Make the most of meetings2m 52s
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Follow up on delegated items2m 58s
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Become tech savvy4m 33s
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Focus on the person2m 37s
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Time management for students2m 59s
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Ending meetings with action1m 44s
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Building a not-to-do list2m 46s
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Avoiding the crowd mindset2m 58s
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Placing a value on your time3m 30s
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How to schedule a meeting3m 35s
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How to develop flexibility4m 19s
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The trouble with texting3m 48s
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Create a perhaps list4m 58s
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Reduce attention switches4m 46s
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Adapt your favorite app4m 33s
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Make time to get more time3m 49s
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Read vs. unread email3m 52s
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Make time to have fun3m 57s
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Create a morning ritual3m 23s
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When to create new homes3m 26s
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How to reduce spam3m 48s
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Why repetition saves time2m 48s
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Productive passwords2m 3s
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Productive web browser tips1m 51s
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Writing a productive email1m 55s
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Commit to your calendar1m 54s
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What to say instead of ASAP1m 46s
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Set voicemail expectations1m 43s
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Set email expectations1m 46s
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How to use an inbox1m 41s
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How to use an outbox1m 53s
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Video: How being kind improves productivity