4 ways to create a culture of kindness and empathy

We could all use a huge dose of kindness, grace and understanding right now.

Displaying these admirable qualities isn’t just the right thing to do, or a nice “add-on” when you can find it at work. Research has shown that kindness can create a competitive business advantage. Here are four ways to create a kinder workplace:

1. Recognize the inspirational power of kindness. When he decided to step down from his dream job hosting “The Tonight Show” in January 2010, after NBC made a time slot change to make room for a Jay Leno program, talk show host Conan O’Brien was in a difficult place. His parting words on that final episode were, “Nobody in life gets exactly what they thought they were going to get. But if you work really hard and you’re kind, amazing things will happen. I’m telling you, amazing things will happen.” O’Brien’s focus on kindness in a moment of personal difficulty resonated profoundly, fueling countless inspirational memes.