Listen "Building Successful Leadership with Kindness | Ep. 21 | The Science of Leadership"
Episode Synopsis
Join us in this enlightening episode of @TheScienceofLeadership with host Tom Collins, as he welcomes Catherine Krawczeski, MD to discuss the pivotal role of kindness in effective leadership.
As the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Physician-in-Chief and Chief Medical Officer of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Dr. Krawczeski offers unique insights into how leading with kindness not only fosters a respectful working environment but also enhances resilience and performance among teams.
Delving into the profound relationship between kindness and leadership, Dr. Krawczeski emphasizes that respect for colleagues can transform work cultures. Highlighting personal anecdotes, she illustrates how empathy and understanding can propel individuals beyond pre-conceived limitations, fostering organizational growth and individual development. Meanwhile, Tom shares personal stories and science-backed evidence supporting the profound positive impact of kindness in leadership settings. Together, they explore practical strategies for leaders to cultivate a more compassionate approach, touching upon the significance of humility, open communication, and continuous feedback.
Keywords in this episode include leadership, kindness, empathy, respect, team dynamics, workplace culture, coaching, personal growth, emotional intelligence, forgiveness.
Key Takeaways:
Kindness in leadership is deeply intertwined with respect and empathy, playing a crucial role in effective team management and individual development.
Even in high-stress environments, leaders can maintain high standards while being compassionate and offering support to those who struggle.
Acts of grace and forgiveness from leaders can have transformative effects on team morale and productivity.
Effective leadership involves listening, understanding others’ perspectives, and providing constructive feedback.
Fostering positive social connections in the workplace can significantly impact organizational efficiency and employee well-being.
References:
Algoe, S. B., & Haidt, J. (2009). Witnessing Excellence in Action: The Other-praising
Emotions of Elevation, Gratitude and Admiration. Journal of Positive Psychology, 4(2), 105-127.
Dutton, J. E., Frost, P. J., Worline, M. C., Lilius, J. M., & Kanov, J. M. Kanov. (2002) Leading in Times of Trauma. Harvard Business Review, 80(1), 54–61.
Frost, P. (1999). Why Compassion Counts! Journal of Management Inquiry, 8(2), 127–133.
Frost, P. J., Dutton, J. E., Worline, M. C., & Wilson, A. (2000). Narratives of Compassion in Organizations, in S. Fineman (ed.), Emotion in Organizations. Sage. p. 25–45.
Kindness in Leadership. (2018). Haskins, G., Thomas, M., & Johri, L. (Eds.). Routledge.
Kanov, J. M., Maitlis, S., Worline, M. C. Dutton, J. E., Frost, P. J., & Lilius, J. M. (2004). Compassion in Organizational Life. American Behavioral Scientist, 47(6),808–827.
Solomon, R. C. (1998). The Moral Psychology of Business: Care and Compassion in the Corporation. Business Ethics Quarterly, 8, 515–533.
As the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Physician-in-Chief and Chief Medical Officer of Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Dr. Krawczeski offers unique insights into how leading with kindness not only fosters a respectful working environment but also enhances resilience and performance among teams.
Delving into the profound relationship between kindness and leadership, Dr. Krawczeski emphasizes that respect for colleagues can transform work cultures. Highlighting personal anecdotes, she illustrates how empathy and understanding can propel individuals beyond pre-conceived limitations, fostering organizational growth and individual development. Meanwhile, Tom shares personal stories and science-backed evidence supporting the profound positive impact of kindness in leadership settings. Together, they explore practical strategies for leaders to cultivate a more compassionate approach, touching upon the significance of humility, open communication, and continuous feedback.
Keywords in this episode include leadership, kindness, empathy, respect, team dynamics, workplace culture, coaching, personal growth, emotional intelligence, forgiveness.
Key Takeaways:
Kindness in leadership is deeply intertwined with respect and empathy, playing a crucial role in effective team management and individual development.
Even in high-stress environments, leaders can maintain high standards while being compassionate and offering support to those who struggle.
Acts of grace and forgiveness from leaders can have transformative effects on team morale and productivity.
Effective leadership involves listening, understanding others’ perspectives, and providing constructive feedback.
Fostering positive social connections in the workplace can significantly impact organizational efficiency and employee well-being.
References:
Algoe, S. B., & Haidt, J. (2009). Witnessing Excellence in Action: The Other-praising
Emotions of Elevation, Gratitude and Admiration. Journal of Positive Psychology, 4(2), 105-127.
Dutton, J. E., Frost, P. J., Worline, M. C., Lilius, J. M., & Kanov, J. M. Kanov. (2002) Leading in Times of Trauma. Harvard Business Review, 80(1), 54–61.
Frost, P. (1999). Why Compassion Counts! Journal of Management Inquiry, 8(2), 127–133.
Frost, P. J., Dutton, J. E., Worline, M. C., & Wilson, A. (2000). Narratives of Compassion in Organizations, in S. Fineman (ed.), Emotion in Organizations. Sage. p. 25–45.
Kindness in Leadership. (2018). Haskins, G., Thomas, M., & Johri, L. (Eds.). Routledge.
Kanov, J. M., Maitlis, S., Worline, M. C. Dutton, J. E., Frost, P. J., & Lilius, J. M. (2004). Compassion in Organizational Life. American Behavioral Scientist, 47(6),808–827.
Solomon, R. C. (1998). The Moral Psychology of Business: Care and Compassion in the Corporation. Business Ethics Quarterly, 8, 515–533.
More episodes of the podcast The Science of Leadership
The Chief Obstacle Remover: Caring For Those You Lead | Ep. 67 | The Science of Leadership
02/12/2025
Ever-Learning: Being a Better Leader Tomorrow Than Today | Ep. 66 | The Science of Leadership
25/11/2025
Leading Up: Influencing Your Boss Without Undermining Them | Ep. 65 | The Science of Leadership
18/11/2025
Service Over Self: The Science of Sacrificial Leadership | Ep. 63 | The Science of Leadership
04/11/2025
The Transformative Power of Asking Questions with Bob Tiede | Ep. 62 | The Science of Leadership
28/10/2025
Trust: How Leadership Takes Flight with Rear Adm. Mike Manazir | Ep.61 | The Science of Leadership
15/10/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.