Jeff Bezos learnt a profound lesson about kindness when he was 10 years old.
Jeff’s grandmother was a smoker, and having recently heard how many minutes a single cigarette shaved off one’s life, he calculated she’d lost 9 years due to smoking.
Proud of his quick mental maths, he told her, but was surprised when she burst into tears.
His grandfather pulled him aside and said, “Jeff, one day you’ll understand that it’s harder to be kind than clever.”
This story helps me reflect on the teachers, friends, family, and managers who’ve been gracious when I missed the point or made a mistake. They opted for kindness when lauding their cleverness over me was the easy option. I’m a better person due to their patience and coaching.
Of course logic, facts, and figures will always be welcome, but it’s helpful to remember we’re all just humans seeking the same kindness, respect, and support from each other.