Make kindness your superpower

Have you ever heard someone say “It costs nothing to be kind?” I’m not sure when I first heard it, but I try to keep it top of mind in my day-to-day interactions.

Thanks to a kind friend, I learned of this article published in the Journal of Management Studies (Kenworthy, Hurd, and Dyer 2026): Navigating grief: A call for loving, nurturing, and wholly generative academic friendships.

In the academy, it can feel like it does cost something to be kind. Maybe it costs time, and we feel compelled to spend that time making progress on a manuscript. It can cost money, perhaps surprising someone with a cake from hundreds of miles away after their beloved dog passed. Maybe it feels like it costs an advantage we could otherwise keep for ourselves. Or maybe it simply feels too vulnerable, as if kindness makes us less “rigorous” or “scientific.”

Consider Kenworthy et al.’s call: Our call is for academic colleagues to act differently through an intentional and vulnerable embracing of kindness, collaboration, and relationality, encouraging the creation of spaces in which the seeds of academic friendship can be found and nurtured, even, and especially, within times of grief.

For me, this space is the #100DaysOfWriting group. We are an academic collective of hundreds of scholars around the world, representing a range of disciplines, interests, and career stages. We are brought together by the need to write, but sustained by a commitment to each other to lead with kindness, care, and genuine interest in one another. I founded this group in 2019 and have been joined in leadership by Eve Higby (associate professor, CSU East Bay) since 2020. We welcome folks to join at any time and to engage in the community in whatever way makes sense for them. If you would like to join, you can start by registering at this link.

Here are a few other opportunities I see in the academy to lead with kindness:

• Share resources and opportunities. When you come across a useful resource, share it with those who would benefit. Maybe you found a helpful stats explainer or learned about a unique funding opportunity. Spread the wealth of knowledge.

• Invite others into conversation. It can be hard to navigate shared spaces. When possible, invite those seated alone to join in. You never know what you might learn, and it is often more than you expect. Relatedly, facilitate introductions and help people connect to one another.

• Compliment others on their good work. Maybe you read an article that changed your thinking, or a colleague just delivered an engaging, thoughtful talk. Let them know. People often appreciate these moments more than we anticipate.

• Celebrate others’ wins. Encourage those around you to celebrate their wins, big and small. Submitting a manuscript, finishing a demanding round of data collection, going to the gym after a long hiatus. These moments matter, and recognizing them helps others see their own progress.

• Lead with empathy. When possible, be generous in both feedback and interpretation. For example, consider adopting the EMPATHY framework for constructive peer review. This does not mean avoiding critique. Constructive criticism is a real kindness we can offer one another. It means leading with the considerations you would hope to receive yourself.

• Help others become visible. Acknowledge others’ contributions in conversation, presentations, and writing. Recommend people for talks, panels, and awards. Cite thoughtfully and inclusively. Bring attention to unequal labor. There are many ways to shine a light on the work of others.

One last thing: I should probably plug my own paper on this topic! Kids, like adults, underestimate the positive impact their random acts of kindness have on others.

Until next time!

How to reach me: You are always welcome to email me (letstalkgradschool@gmail.com). You can also find me on LinkedIn and Bluesky.

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Wishing you all the best!

Margaret