Don’t confuse being kind with being a people-pleaser.

Positive Minds | Positive Quotes | Edition 010

There is a fine line between being kind and being a people-pleaser. The difference, however, is quite easy to make in the workplace.

Being kind is usually directed downwards, i.e. towards the team members, while being people-pleasing is usually directed upwards, i.e. towards the management.

Kind people are altruistic and give their kindness out of gratitude. People-pleasers are selfish people. They seek to please others in exchange for recognition and rewards, usually from management.

Kind people tell you what you need to hear, which is sometimes difficult to hear. People-pleasers tell you what you want to hear and what is pleasant to hear.

Kind people help create healthy, positive and collaborative workplaces. People-pleasers fuel toxicity, negativity and competition in the workplace.

Be a kind person, not a people-pleaser.