I found this on Mastodon (the best social media platform) where it was shared by user Vee and I thought it was super useful: I’m not sure exactly where this came from, but it appears to be from a company called HackingHR.
It says:
Understanding the Source
Unkind acts often stem from the other person’s distress or anxiety, which helps us respond with empathy.
Respond with empathy
Even if you disagree with the other person, be understanding and considerate.
Stay calm
Stay calm and don’t take unkind acts personally, so you can respond thoughtfully instead of reacting emotionally.
Use positive language
Avoid negative language and focus on constructive, positive communication.
Take a deep breath
Taking a moment to take a deep breath before responding can help you regain your composure.
Practice active listening
Try to understand the other person’s point of view instead of jumping to conclusions.
Set boundaries
Kindness doesn’t mean tolerating abuse or disrespect, so set clear boundaries when necessary.
Find common ground
Find areas of agreement and common interests as the basis for positive interactions.
Offer to help
Sometimes, an act of unkindness is a cry for help, and helping can be a powerful response.
No retaliation
Avoid the temptation to respond in kind: retaliation only perpetuates the cycle of unkindness.
Practicing Forgiveness
Holding on to anger and resentment does more harm to yourself than it does to the other person. Forgiveness brings liberation.
Reflect and learn
After the interaction, reflect on what happened and consider ways to improve your response in the future.
