There's a line from U2's song "13" that has deeply influenced my thinking about leadership: "Are you tough enough to be kind?" This powerful question strikes at the heart of what we believe at Proxima, challenging the common misconception that kindness is somehow soft or weak. In fact, it often requires remarkable courage and strength to choose kindness, especially in challenging business situations. 

​

I've spent years studying and observing how organisations thrive and struggle, and I've come to one clear conclusion: the most successful companies aren't just driven by metrics and strategies – they're powered by deeply-held values that guide every decision, from the boardroom to the kitchen. 

​

At Proxima, we've discovered that values aren't just feel-good statements to hang about the office walls. They're the invisible force that shapes our culture, drives our actions and decisions, and ultimately determines our success. What's particularly fascinating is how our three core values – be kind, be bold, and be curious – weave together to create something greater than their individual parts. 

​

Think about when someone's words or actions frustrate you at work. The easy path is to react with anger or judgment. But this is where our interconnected values come into play. Curiosity prompts us to pause and ask, "What might be driving this behaviour? What pressures or challenges might they be facing?" This genuine interest in understanding others naturally leads to empathy. Then, it takes boldness to step forward with kindness rather than retreat into resentment or defensive behaviour. This is what I think U2 meant – true kindness often requires courage. 

​

I've seen this dynamic play out countless times. Recently, I got asked by a friend what I would do when a business relation misses several important one-on-one meetings: give them another chance or break the relationship.  Without knowing the full context, instead of immediately escalating the situation, I would choose to be curious about their circumstances. This way you might discover the genuine challenges they were dealing with, and you may even be able to help. By boldly offering support rather than criticism, you not only preserve but have a chance to strengthen the relationship. It isn’t the easy path – it required both the courage to reach out and the curiosity to truly understand their situation. And potentially you might uncover that they just didn’t respect your time in the first place. In which case you can still go separate ways.  

​

Being bold challenges us to push beyond our comfort zones, whether that's speaking up when we see something wrong or admitting our own mistakes. But boldness without kindness can become recklessness, and without curiosity, it might miss crucial context. Similarly, curiosity without kindness could become intrusive, and without boldness, it might never move beyond passive observation. 

​

The impact of these interwoven values extends far beyond our office walls. Our team members bring their personal values to work, thereby defining the core values at Proxima. These principles come to life not only within our office walls but also in their personal lives, whānau, and communities. We learn all the time that being "tough enough to be kind" means having the strength to listen when others are difficult, the courage to show empathy when it would be easier to walk away, and the curiosity to seek understanding rather than make assumptions. 

​

Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing stories from our team members and Proxima friends about how these values play out in their daily work lives. You'll hear about the challenges we've faced, the victories we've celebrated, and the lessons we've learned along the way. 

​

I invite you to join us on this exploration of values-led leadership. Whether you're a seasoned executive or just starting your career, understanding how to lead with values can transform not just your mahi, but your entire approach to life. 

​

This is just the beginning of our conversation. In our next article, we'll dive deep into what it truly means to "be kind" in a business context, exploring how this seemingly simple value requires both boldness and curiosity to create meaningful change. 

​

Remember, strong values aren't just nice to have – they're essential for building organisations that can thrive in today's complex business landscape. What values guide your leadership journey, and are you tough enough to be kind? 

​

​

​

– Director of Impact