Kindness & empathy win every time

Written by Deborah Mazoudier, Founder & Principal Tender Specialist (Brisbane)

Tenders are hard. And tendering every day as a career is even harder.

So, I surround myself and my clients with people who are kind and empathetic. Yes, they are also all the other qualities you hear about in tendering - resilient, adaptable, have an impeccable attention to detail, are experts in the art of persuasion, and the list goes on. But in a deadline-driven and pressurised environment it is easy to get caught up in the stress and forget about the importance of kindness and empathy towards others.

So, when I recruit people, that is what I seek first. Kindness and empathy. And yes, I have rejected even the most amazingly qualified people who could no doubt manage, write and submit a tender standing on their heads in a shower on the basis that they show no disposition towards either.

Kindness and empathy have a significant impact on productivity, job satisfaction, and the overall well-being of tender team members. And we should all seek out ways to foster them within any tender team.

How? I hear you ask. Well, firstly, hire the right people!

But in all seriousness:

Set the tone

Be mindful of your own actions and behaviour towards others. Speak kindly to your colleagues and show empathy when they are facing difficulties. Set the example for others to follow.

Encourage open communication

Encourage team members to share their thoughts and feelings with each other and create a safe space where they feel comfortable doing so. By listening to each other and showing empathy, team members can better understand each other's perspectives and build much stronger and more productive relationships.

Acknowledge the importance of self-care

Make team members realise that their self-care is part of the job description. They are not only allowed to but encouraged to take breaks and prioritise their mental and physical health. By doing so, they will be better equipped to handle the pressures of the job and show kindness and empathy towards others.

Practice active listening

Yes, I know, blah, blah, blah, vomit. But active listening is a crucial skill when it comes to fostering kindness and empathy within a team. And it is ridiculously challenging. Fully focusing on what another person is saying, without interrupting or judging them is hard - especially for those that like to talk. But by doing so, you can better understand their perspective and show empathy towards their situation and often solve issues before they arise.

Celebrate achievements along the way

No matter how small. Show that you value your team members and their contributions to the team and the tender.

Provide support and do it genuinely

If someone is struggling, offer assistance with tasks, provide emotional support, give them the resources they need or simply check in on them to see how they are doing. Asking if they are ok could make the world of difference to them, your team and your success.

And to answer your other burning question … Yes, Tender Plus is always looking for our next wonderful team member, but only those who are kind and empathetic.