Kindness in the workplace

I'm sitting here on a lazy Sunday afternoon, after a work week that was filled with chaos, I'm relishing in the peacefulness of solitude. As I look back on the week, so many thoughts go through my mind. Why do people treat people badly? Why is it so hard for some to show empathy and compassion? Why is it so hard for people to be kind? I'm not excluded from this, although I try and live my life on a daily basis, by treating any fellow human being I come in contact with kindness and truth, but sometimes when we are thrown into a world, especially the business world, where this is not always the practice, your vision gets blurred. Work wise, I will always question authority when this is not being practiced, sometimes I feel that they forget not only are we employees, but we are human beings, just like them, just like their daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, Mothers and Fathers, its amazing to me how so many who are in that corporate structure stray so far away from this. Is is possible to marriage kindness and rules, empathy and respect, power and compassion, I often wonder what makes them think that they are better then their fellow human being, is it a title, some words, that creates that? Have they been so abused in their own life, that they forget that they can do both and be successful? What makes someone in power feel good about bringing someone else down? Is that what success is about? The most successful companies I've worked for, have been, when people in authority, the CEO, or even the owner in some cases, treated you like you were important, even if your title was lower then them, they showed their human side, they didn't lose touch of where they came from and how they got there. I've had some wonderful experiences throughout the years of this, and I can tell you, those leaders and companies were successful in business, and in return made their employees successful. I won't at this point in my life, forget where I have come from, sometimes I need to "check" myself with those I have less patience with, but if you look deep, they have a story, was shown that again yesterday, and didn't realize how I strayed from the empathetic part of my personal being. The other thing I've noticed, if you have someone who has helped you become successful, has been loyal, don't be so far removed where you forget this, they have had a part in believing in you, believe in them, and show you appreciate them, how can you make them become successful? This is a new lesson I've learned. Hmmmm, this is turning out to be about kindness in the workplace,(had to change the heading) was also going to write about kindness in friendships, but I guess I'll leave that till next time. So guess the moral of this story is treat people how you want to be treated, don't forget where you came from, and don't compromise your integrity, no matter what that title says. Everyone has something to offer, some of the brightest people I've met are "title free". Maybe every company should have a Kindness Manager, wow, wouldn't that be a concept!! Kindness should be part of your daily routine. Have a great day everyone!!