Reposted from Tim Richardson
Everyday Rudeness Is a Leadership Opportunity
Yesterday, I witnessed a textbook case of road rage—complete with a sarcastic “You’re number one!” salute (though the driver might’ve gotten their finger order a little mixed up).
A car raced past me, cutting off another driver who was simply trying to get into the correct turn lane. Then came the blaring horn… and that unmistakable finger. The other driver, now forced onto an inconvenient exit, sped off—perhaps not feeling particularly “loved.”
Sadly, moments like this are all too common. And not just on the road.
Micro-Moments That Reveal Our Character
There’s the grocery store parking lot, for instance—where shopping carts are left to roam freely, creating obstacle courses or kissing the sides of cars. Or public trash bins, often surrounded by cigarette butts or fast-food bags tossed from windows. These may seem like small acts of disregard, but over time, they add up—and they echo what leadership scholars call “micro-moments”: seemingly minor but revealing interactions that shape culture and trust.
How Rudeness Shows Up at Work
These behaviors follow us into the workplace in ways we’ve all seen—or maybe even done ourselves:
- Leaving a fish sandwich in the fridge for everyone to smell
- Abandoning dirty mugs in the sink—or worse, an empty coffee pot
- Showing up late to Zoom meetings without apology
- Snagging someone else’s lunch from the fridge
- Hijacking conversations with negativity or office gossip
These are small acts. But they’re also tiny choices that erode trust, morale, and professionalism—especially when repeated.
Leadership Opportunities in Small Choices
Every day, we are presented with micro-moments. Opportunities to pause—and choose to do the right thing, both personally and professionally. Some of the best leaders I know lead with kindness in every interaction. They model the behavior that helps prevent frustration on the road, tension in the office, and conflict in our communities. They understand that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about example.
“It takes just as much effort to be unkind as it does to be kind.”
— Lois Richardson, my mom
That pause—the choice to breathe instead of blast the horn—can change the entire tone of a moment. That’s not just anecdotal—it’s backed by science. Practicing intentional kindness can reduce stress, boost well-being, and build trust at work.
The Power of Pausitivity
What would the other person want or need in this moment?
What would you hope for if roles were reversed? In a world moving fast and full of tension, we can’t afford to underestimate the power of thoughtful kindness. And we can never have too much of it. So next time you’re tempted to lay on the horn, skip the coffee pot rinse, or pass along a juicy bit of office gossip… pause. And choose better.
That’s the heart of Pausitivity.
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