A Kind Start to 2026

“Kindness is not something we are — it’s something we do.”
Hugh Mackay - The Kindness Revolution

Most years, January arrives with big plans and big expectations. New goals. New projects. New urgency. But if the last few years have taught us (and me) anything, it’s that life is bonkers, and that it rarely unfolds in neat, controlled timelines.

So, this year, I’m starting differently. My focus word for 2026 is: Kindness.

Not the polite version, not the ‘be nice and avoid hard conversations’ version. Rather, the kind that requires presence, patience and real courage.

Because right now, kindness feels almost counter-cultural!

People are tired. Outrage is normalised. And many of us are reacting on autopilot, instead of responding with intention.

Being unkind is often just self-protection, disguised as strength.

During the Christmas period, I was reminded of just how easy it is to forget that.

Whilst waiting for the lift at the hospital, a very discombobulated woman beside me kept pressing the call button, even though it was already lit. Clearly, she was distressed.

Instead of ignoring her I asked, “Which floor?”

“Eight,” she said.

“Same as me. I can see on the display it’s already on the way.”

Still looking rattled, I gently asked, “Are you OK?”

She paused then said, “I’m okay. I just get a bit edgy being in the city. But it’s my husband. He’s been diagnosed with leukaemia.”

My heart sank as I tried to imagine what they are about to go through. Happy bloody Christmas!

On the short ride to level eight, she shared more of her story. When the doors opened, she touched my arm and said, “Thank you” then walked off.

That moment has stayed with me.

Because if I’m honest, over the last few years I probably would have written this behaviour off as another one of those self-indulgent, annoying people with no social awareness. In fact, what I would have missed was what was really going on.

It reminded me. Kindness often begins with something very small:

Hit the pause button.

Kindness isn’t passive. It’s intentional and courageous.
It requires self-awareness, empathy, and the discipline to slow down… just long enough so that we can choose our response, rather than being triggered.

Choosing not to be kind may feel safer in the moment. However, it keeps us distant, guarded, and disconnected.

As Hugh Mackay wrote in his brilliant book The Kindness Revolution, “Kindness demands courage.”

And real leadership… well it demands both.

So, as we step into a new year full of opportunities, pressures and unknowns, here’s a simple invitation:

Don’t look away. Pause. Notice.
Then respond with kindness, especially when it’s hard.

If more leaders do that in 2026, the world will feel safer, more sane and certainly more human.

Conversations will become more honest, and courage will grow not through force, but through connection.

Wishing you a wonderful year of leading with kindness.

Richard Dore
Co-CEO - Director of Partnerships
Proteus Leadership