Clarity Is Kindness

We often define kindness in leadership as being supportive, friendly, or encouraging. But one of the most powerful forms of kindness is clarity.

I learned this lesson in my senior year of high school.

As a self-described “STEM” kid, I had always favored math and science in school. I took the required humanities classes, but I never enjoyed them as much. My senior year of high school, I took an AP English class that changed my view and my life.

Our teacher was energetic and vivacious. She wore tie-dyed long skirts and sandals. She had us read both modern and classic books. She invited us to go to foreign films and then write about what the cinematic elements symbolized. She wasn’t a typical “boring” English teacher.

In that class, our teacher gave us daily writing assignments. Sometimes she would give us an unprepared prompt, and other times she would have us write a comparative piece on two works of literature or two films. We would write for the entire 50 minutes of class, and then we received our grades the next day.

The first time I completed one of her assignments, I wrote what I thought was a pretty good response. I had always been a good student, so I didn’t worry very much about my grade.

I’d get an A, right?

Wrong!

In the next class period, I received my graded paper. She gave me a ‘D.’

Shocked, I stayed after class to talk to her about my grade. When I asked why I had done so poorly, she said, “Mr. Bujnowski, you are a much better writer than you think. You’ve got a lot of potential, but you’re going to need to work at it. I’m happy to help you, if you’re willing.”

Of course, I was willing! At first, I just wanted to learn to get a better grade in her class. But over time, as she gave me clear feedback on how to improve my writing, I actually came to like writing.

Those one-hour writing assignments went from tedious work to enjoyable experiences. I thought about different ways I could express myself with each piece.

Since that time, I have published several books, numerous papers and articles, a master’s thesis, and a doctoral dissertation. Writing is now a joy.

Her clarity was the kindest thing she could have done. It opened a whole new world of writing for me.

Clarity naturally happens when leaders see their people’s growth, well-being, and potential as the means by which they lead—not the reward at the end.

Best Bosses are kind because they are clear. They help their employees see their own potential. They expose gaps by giving timely feedback. They develop strengths through stretching assignments with clear expectations. They set clear boundaries and resist micromanaging.

Being clear doesn’t have to be harsh. A message can be given with humanity, but it must be delivered with precision.

Clarity is kindness, and we can all become better because of it.