Leadership is a privilege. It’s not about power, control, or being the loudest voice in the room. It’s about influence, responsibility, and the ability to bring out the best in others.
Yet, too often, we see people in positions of leadership resort to tactics that are anything but kind.
Bullying. Name-calling. Public shaming. These behaviors don’t belong in any workplace, and they certainly don’t belong in leadership.
Let’s be clear: bullying is not leadership. It’s a sign of insecurity, not strength. And name-calling? That’s playground behavior, not professional conduct.
Good leadership is built on a foundation of respect. It’s about listening more than speaking, guiding more than commanding, and inspiring rather than intimidating. It’s about creating psychological safety—where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
At Comvia, we talk a lot about *The Kindness Code*—a framework I’ve developed for leading with empathy, clarity, and courage. One of its core principles is this:
If you think kindness is weak, you haven’t seen it in action.
A kind leader doesn’t shy away from tough conversations. They don’t avoid accountability. They approach both with compassion and a desire to help others grow. They understand that their words carry weight—and they choose them carefully.
Let’s lead with kindness, not cruelty. Because the best leaders don’t tear people down—they lift them up.
Michael Piperno is a communication coach and executive presence expert. His insights empower leaders to communicate effectively and authentically.