I've always thought that the sitcom The Office should be mandatory viewing for senior leaders to remind themselves of how not to lead. After all, as Groucho Marx once said, “We should learn from the mistakes of others. We don’t have time to make them all ourselves.”

Speaking of The Office (I'm so glad you brought it up), I just finished reading, The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s by Andy Greene. The book gave me the inspiration for this week's message. It's not earth-shattering, yet it's ridiculously important. Are you ready to hear it? 

Be KIND!

One of the recurring themes in this book is how genuinely loved and respected Steve Carell was throughout his stint playing the less-than-ideal boss Michael Scott. Carell was a consummate professional in everything he did. He was courteous. Respectful. Kind. Generous. He never said a bad word about anyone. He helped the crew unload from the van. He put others at ease. He was playful. He brought his sense of humor along for the ride. He didn't want to be the only funny one - he wanted everyone to be funny. Colleague after colleague described him as a true class act and perhaps the nicest person they had ever worked with in their entire career. 

Given his status and exhausting schedule he could have been a major league jerk. But Carell chose (and let's remember, it's a choice we make every day) to be thoughtful and kind. And because he was so kind and so respected, he built up a huge supply of goodwill capital: His colleagues always supported him when he needed a big favor (such as taking a mid-season hiatus to star in a movie).

He made the choice to be kind every day to everyone he interacted with, and by doing so Steve Carell left behind a lasting, positive legacy.

So, what choice are you making every day at work? What legacy do you hope to leave in your wake? If someone penned a book about your workplace 10 years after you left your job, what would they write about you?

Today, coincidentally, is official Random Acts of Kindness Day. But imagine how much stronger your workplace culture would be if everyone chose to be just a little kinder to one another each and every day?