Niceness Makes You Liked. Kindness Makes You Remembered. Kindness Takes Courage.

As Leaders are we aiming to be nice.... or Kind?

Niceness and kindness often get confused, but they leave very different legacies.

Niceness is about being agreeable. It smooths things over, avoids conflict, and prioritises short-term comfort. People may like you, but they may not grow under you.

Kindness is deeper. It’s about care, honesty, and long-term respect. A kind leader gives feedback even when it’s uncomfortable, sets boundaries when needed, and challenges people because they want them to succeed.

When leaders rely on niceness, they’re remembered as pleasant but passive.

When leaders choose kindness, they’re remembered as courageous and compassionate, someone who left people better, not just happier.

👉 Niceness leaves people liking you.

👉 Kindness leaves people better because of you.

As you think about your own leadership legacy: which one are you leaving behind?