Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Three Kindnesses?
The Three Kindnesses are Safety, Empathy, and Diversity.
How will Three Kindnesses help my organization?
The Three Kindnesses methodology is centered around three foundational cultural components that every organization needs in order to be truly successful: safety, empathy, and diversity. Whether you are addressing low employee engagement, endless internal conflict, high turnover, or tension in your organizational values, our methodology addresses each of these issues at a root-cause level. Using a holistic approach, we partner with leaders and their teams to help them understand the why behind the who, the intention behind the behavior.
Introversion/Extraversion
What is introversion?
Introversion is characterized by a heightened sensitivity to stimulation and a need for quiet time to recharge. Introverted brains tend to turn inward instead of outward and prefer reflection over stimulation. Because the introverted brain is more sensitive to dopamine (external stimuli/external reward neurotransmitter), people who fall on the introversion side of the introversion/extraversion continuum will often feel uncomfortable and overstimulated by too much external stimuli.
What is extraversion?
Dr. Carl Jung defined extraversion as being “characterized by a heightened interest in the external world and a ready response to and acceptance of external happenings.” They tend to enjoy influencing events, and according to Jung, they have the capacity “to endure and enjoy bustle and noise of every kind.” Extraverts need external stimuli and external rewards to feel fulfilled, satisfied and energized. In general, an extraverted brain will be less sensitive to dopamine and need more external stimuli to achieve a “dopamine high.”
What is the I/E continuum?
Because no one is (or can be) completely introverted or completely extraverted, introversion and extraversion exist on a continuum. This continuum is often expressed in the idea of ambiversion. However, introversion/extraversion are tied to brain wiring and neurotransmitters so it is more likely that someone falls somewhere on the continuum than someone would present introverted and extraverted behaviors equally. In lieu of words like ambiversion, it is better to express I/E behaviors in more nuanced language which aligns with a spectrum or continuum.
Safety
What is psychological safety?
Harvard Social Psychologist Amy Edmundson defines psychological safety as “the belief that one will not be punished or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes and that the team is a safe place for interpersonal risk-taking.”
Why does it matter?
Organizations and teams cannot thrive without psychological safety. It is the number one factor for high-performing teams.
Leaders and Team Management
How can I, as a leader, decrease the time I spend managing and diffusing conflict among my team members?
When a team is in crisis, it means that someone doesn’t feel safe. By making psychological safety a priority, your team can bring their authentic selves to work each day and work together more effectively. Working with Three Kindnesses will teach you how to create safety, cultivate empathy, and honor diversity. The result will be less conflict and more engaged employees.
Neurodiversity
What is neurodiversity?
The range of neurological wiring and associated behaviors from neurotypical to neurodivergent
What is neurotypical?
A neurotypical brain develops within standard cognitive and intellectual parameters and seldom (if ever) requires special considerations in social, educational, or professional environments. People with neurotypical brains tend to exhibit behaviors well within perceived socially accepted parameters. A neurotypical brain is one that does not carry a neurodivergent diagnosis.
What is neurodivergent?
Any behavior resulting from brain wiring that is perceived as non-neurotypical. Examples of neurodivergence include sensory processing sensitivity, the autism spectrum, and ADHD. Some behaviors on the introversion/extraversion continuum may also present as neurodivergent. While neurodivergence is not a disorder, some neurodivergent individuals may require special considerations and/or niche environments in order to thrive.
What is a "niche" environment?
A social or professional environment that has been modified to meet the needs of a neurodivergent person.
DEIB
What is DEIB?
DEIB is used as an acronym to reference Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging (DEIB)
Can Three Kindnesses help my organization with our Diversity and Inclusion initiatives?
Yes! If previous DEIB initiatives have been ineffective or difficult to sustain, we have the solution. You cannot experience a 3K program without being transformed and inspired to engage in true, radical, deliberate kindness. We believe radical kindness is the antidote to many of our organizational and societal ills and a weapon to help us dismantle systems of oppression. When we feel safe, we can work toward justice. When we embrace a spirit of empathy, we can create a kinder and more just world for everyone.
