The three fundamental traits of kindness, competence, and genuineness and critical to every communication. These insights were imparted to me by my two daughters now residing outside of India. They emphasize that kindness is essential, authenticity is paramount, and competence is crucial for fulfilling commitments and maintaining trust.
Reflecting on this, I find myself questioning my own approach. I like to think of myself as genuine and competent most of the time, but perhaps my kindness wavers at 50-60% of the time. This introspection led to a dialogue, pointing out the importance of niceness and kindness in conversations. While these traits are celebrated in Western cultures, in India, constant niceness might be perceived as a weakness or an invitation to be taken for granted.
This may not be a universal experience, but in my personal encounters, people's responses often depend on who you are, where you are, and what you do, rather than purely on the virtues of language, genuineness, kindness, and competence. These cultural nuances shape interactions and expectations, making communication a more complex blend of personal and situational factors.
For instance, achieving goals with a team requires clear communication, kindness, and task allocation. Yet, when the time comes to execute, the unwavering focus on results may overshadow these qualities. This shift doesn't stem from a lack of goodwill but acknowledges that some individuals may only respond effectively under certain standards or circumstances.
Moreover, I have noticed individuals who are heartfelt and kind but lack competence. Initial interactions may seem promising, but eventually, words lose their weight without the backing of effective action. Thus, the harmony of kindness, genuineness, and competence is crucial, but communication is ultimately tailored by individual character and situational demands, defying any standard template.
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