The Power of Control: What a Former Manager Taught Me About True Kindness
By SrTerence™
Reading Time: 3 minutes
Kindness is a practice. It’s not a silent feeling; it’s better understood as an intention or an attitude. I’ve witnessed people who state they are kind while performing unkind actions. Kindness only truly becomes visible and impactful when it translates into how we interact with others.
When I think of kindness, I think of a former co-worker who was one of the kindest people on this planet. I’ve never met anyone more kind.
We worked on a project together for months, and not once did I see her be unkind to anyone. She was a manager and the team lead on all our projects, and it was an absolute joy to come to work with her leading the way. What was so impressive was how she handled those who were disruptive to the project—talk about "killing them with kindness."
The Office Meeting
I wanted to ask her about it, but I didn't quite know how. Then, I remember her calling me into her office one day. This was my opportunity, and I was so nervous.
"Ms. Kim?" I said.
She looked up and replied, "Yes?"
"Can I ask you a personal question?"
"Sure, Terence."
"Why are you so kind to everyone, Ms. Kim?"
She smiled and said, "It’s a power of control."
"It is?" I asked.
"Yes, Terence. I don’t like people controlling my behavior."
"I don’t like people controlling my behavior."
— Ms. Kim
"But Ms. Kim, some people still don’t like you."
"I know each of them clearly, Terence," she said.
I said, "WOW!"
That hit me like a punch, and we both started laughing so hard. Then she said, "Not one of them knows how I truly feel about them, and I’m their supervisor, Terence."
I began laughing even harder. She smiled, and then I paused.
"Wait, Ms. Kim... you are my manager."
She started laughing louder and smiled. "You are correct. Terence, do you have any other questions for me?"
"No, thanks for your time, Ms. Kim!"
The Takeaway: Kindness is Power
As I walked out of her office that day—and to this very day—I still don’t know how she actually felt about me. However, what I do know is that Ms. Kim was incredibly kind to everyone, and she changed my life with her kindness and wisdom.
Ms. Kim taught me a profound lesson in emotional intelligence: True kindness isn't weak or passive. It is the ultimate boundary. When you choose kindness, you refuse to let the negative energy, bad moods, or difficult behaviors of other people dictate who you are. You maintain absolute control over your own character.
Kindness is powerful.
What do you think?
Have you ever met a leader like Ms. Kim who mastered the art of "killing with kindness"? How do you maintain control over your behavior when dealing with difficult people? Leave a comment below—I’d love to read your stories!


















