Kindness: The Vehicle of Easeful Change

November 21st, 2024 by Kelly Kienzle

“Kindness eases change.”  I read these words for the first time several months ago.  Octavia Butler, one of the first published African American and female writers of science fiction, wrote them almost 50 years ago.

Our Capacity for Kindness

I was struck by the simplicity of the sentence.  And I was intrigued by the simplicity of the idea.  Is it true?  Can extending more kindness ease the stress and upheaval of change?

I believe so.  As I think of the many leaders I have coached through organizational change, the most successful changes were led by leaders who remembered and emphasized their capacity for kindness.

When I think of friends who have endured tragic change in their lives, kindness kept them afloat.  Kindness buoyed them, whether it was kindness extended to them or kindness exhibited by them.

A Kind Life

How does kindness from others ease change for you?  How does exhibiting kindness to others ease change for you?

As we move into a new year and the changes it brings with it, I recognize my temptation to be angry and bitter.  I know I could blame or grieve or throw up my hands at the changes I will see and experience.

Yet that is not how I want to live my one life of unknown duration.  I have worked too hard to curate happiness into my life.

Instead, I will remember Butler’s words.  I will act and speak with kindness.  And perhaps if you and I exhibit kindness, we can ease us all through our next change.