When I was a kid, I was taught: "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."
I disagree. Words can wound. They can demean. They can normalize cruelty and strip people of dignity. That's not strength, but weakness dressed up as bravado.
This week I was reminded of the choice we face every day in how we use our words. In a series of since-deleted comments to my LinkedIn post about the illegality of calling Black employees "monkeys," someone proudly declared:
➡️ that calling others "monkeys" is just free speech,
➡️ that he can call "whoever he wants a monkey,"
➡️ and that anyone who challenges that is undermining his freedom.
Technically, he's right: the First Amendment protects his right to say it. But here's the important part: free speech is not free of consequences, nor is it free of responsibility.
Which brings me back to my question: what's wrong with kindness?
Kindness invites connection.
Kindness builds trust.
Kindness strengthens communities and workplaces.
Kindness takes less effort than cruelty.
Kindness is the simpler, stronger choice.
Cruelty may get you attention, but kindness earns you respect.
So maybe the real question isn't "What am I free to say?" but "How will my words define me?" and "What impact will my words have on the people who hear them?"
None of us should want to be remembered for the insults we hurled, but for the kindness we offered.
The same is true at work. Cultures built on cruelty don't last. They burn people out, drive away talent, and create environments where fear replaces trust.
On the other hand, cultures built on kindness endure. They attract people who want to contribute, they foster collaboration, and they create workplaces where employees feel valued and respected. Kindness isn't just a moral choice, it's the smart business strategy that sustains organizations.
Choose kindness. Always.
Here's what I read this week that you should read, too.
Two Entities, One Employer: The DOL's Latest Joint Employer Warning — via Eric Meyer's Employer Handbook Blog
Why "We Reserve All Rights" Can Be Useful in a Termination Letter — via Dan Schwartz's Connecticut Employment Law Blog
Your candidates use AI to write their resumes. Should AI be used for interviews? — via Improve Your HR by Suzanne Lucas, the Evil HR Lady
How Will Generative AI Impact Legal Work? — via Above the Law
My petty gripe: not only am I losing my livelihood to AI – now it's stealing my em dashes too — via The Guardian
Protect Your Pour: Essential Risk Management for Brewery Safety — via The Brewer Magazine
4th Circuit Decision Highlights Changed Adverse Employment Action Standard — via EntertainHR
Trump admin adds banner attacking 'Radical Left Democrats' to government websites — via The Verge
Industry Braces for Government Shutdown — via Brewbound
Industry Braces for Government Shutdown — via Brewbound