Last week was a crazy week for us. One of the Baldrige-based quality award programs many of our clients participate in had its deadline for submitting applications for the 2024 cycle. Some of our clients worked with us months ago to map out a rational project plan that allowed them to submit their applications early, with a minimum amount of stress. However, some fell prey to procrastination and went down to the wire. I wish that I had seen this quote before that happened.
“(1) There is always room for kindness. (2) There is always time for kindness. (3) The higher your level of stress, the more important kindness is. (4) The closer the deadline is, the more important kindness becomes.” Tom Peters, January 28, 2024
As the deadline drew nearer, I confess that my impatience and frustration grew. I’m sure that I wasn’t always kind with my feedback. As leaders, it’s even more important to check our own irritation when there’s pressure to perform. Do we encourage, or do we rebuke? Our teams are looking to us for an example of how to act during tough times. What behavior are we modeling?
What are some ways that we can show kindness?
1.Tone of voice is critical. Are we conveying caring or Impatience?
2.Do we take the time to ask about the person and not just the work product?
3.Do we encourage a brief stress-relief break and follow this advice ourselves?
4.Do we show appreciation for the effort?
5.Do we celebrate together when the deadline has been met?
Of course, it’s tempting to remind ourselves that this deadline stress could be avoided, or at least mitigated, had we started early and stayed on track to peacefully accomplish our goal. But, as we’ve discovered every year with this program, stuff happens. A flu outbreak, a computer crash and a lost file, a power outage, and a family emergency. Yes, stuff happens, even with the best laid plans.
So, when we find ourselves facing a deadline under pressure, remember to be kind.
