SARA YAHIA ON LEADING WITH KINDNESS

In today’s world, leadership is no longer just about strategy, numbers, or title; it’s about how we treat people. To me, kindness isn’t a buzzword. It’s the thread that weaves through every meaningful relationship, every team dynamic, and every act of leadership that leaves a lasting impact.

It’s almost unbelievable that we’ve reached a time when advocating for kindness has become necessary. As human beings, we should naturally be inclined to tap into our shared humanity when interacting with one another.

LEADERSHIP THAT LISTENS

My leadership philosophy is grounded in a simple but powerful belief: being human is not a weakness; it’s a strength. In my article Leading with Heart: Humanity Isn’t Optional Anymore (HR Today), I called for a shift in how we define leadership. It’s not about control or charisma. It’s about showing up with empathy, listening with intention, and lifting others.

That message continues to resonate, especially in a time when burnout is high and authentic connection often feels out of reach. Emotional intelligence is no longer a “nice-to-have.” It’s essential. When leaders understand both their own emotions and those of the people around them, they build teams that trust, innovate, and grow together.

HIRING WITH HEART AND FORESIGHT

My vision for a more emotionally intelligent workplace also extends to hiring. In Rethinking Hiring for 2025 and Beyond (HR.com), I challenged outdated models that prioritize technical qualifications over human qualities. The future belongs to those who can read a room, adapt with grace, and lead with care.

Adaptability and curiosity are the traits I believe we should look for when hiring. In a world that’s constantly evolving, success doesn’t always come from a flawless résumé. It comes from individuals who can think critically, stay grounded, and navigate uncertainty with emotional maturity.

COACHING THAT CONNECTS

In You Can’t Coach Tomorrow’s Leaders Using Yesterday’s Rules (HR.com), I explored how leadership development must evolve. I believe coaching should go beyond performance reviews and dig into the heart of what drives people.

Future leaders don’t just need direction, but they need mentorship that sees them as whole humans, complete with emotions, flaws, and potential. When we nurture this kind of leadership, we develop individuals who deliver results and carry others with them in a meaningful way.

EVERYDAY KINDNESS, LASTING IMPACT

I don’t just write about kindness, I try to live it every day.

In When the Night Held Fear (Random Acts of Kindness Foundation), I found myself comforting a distressed father in the emergency room and staying with his children until the situation calmed. I didn’t know him. I just knew I couldn’t walk away.

In Kindness Isn’t Policy. It’s People, I shared another moment, comforting a colleague who had just received heartbreaking news. No HR manual prepared me for that. It was instinct, empathy, and simply being present.

In Coffee Shop Kindness Turns Out to Be CEO’s Father (Time for Kindness), I offered my seat to an elderly man in a busy café. I had no idea he was a CEO’s father. I wasn’t seeking anything. It was just a small act that led to an unexpected connection.

My point here is that leadership shouldn’t be confined to office walls. We should live within who we are, all the time. Our humanity, character, and principles define the kind of leaders we become and shape the contributions we make to any organization and society we’re part of.

A CALL FOR HUMAN-CENTERED LEADERSHIP

I believe leadership and business can and should be human. It doesn’t require detachment or dominance. It calls for presence, emotional honesty, and the courage to care, even when no one’s watching.

Whether I’m coaching executives or comforting a stranger, I try to lead by example. That’s the challenge I offer to others too: lead with both your head and your heart. Treat others with kindness and respect, because in the end, it’s the most powerful force we have.

FURTHER READING:

Leading with Heart: Humanity Isn’t Optional Anymore – HR Today

Rethinking Hiring for 2025 and Beyond – HR.com

You Can’t Coach Tomorrow’s Leaders Using Yesterday’s Rules – HR.com

When the Night Held Fear – Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Kindness Isn’t Policy. It’s People – Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Brought A Story Back To Life - Random Acts of Kindness Foundation

Coffee Shop Kindness Turns Out to Be CEO’s Father – Time for Kindness

Empathy Made Me Turn Around – Vocal Media