HENKEL HERALDS KINDNESS INITIATIVE

Henkel Plant Manager Michael Brannan, whose approach emphasizes kindness, humility, and servant leadership, has encouraged many of us to think even more about how we can be part of a larger community.  We’ve begun to think even more about how small gestures, when done consistently, can add to a positive atmosphere both at work and beyond.  Michael Brannan's example reminds us that leadership isn’t only about authority — it’s about the willingness to uplift one another.

Simple moments recently added to this growing awareness: three coworkers in the Aerosol department at Henkel -- Isaac, Luis and John -- offered strong encouragement to a fellow employee.  Their actions, simple but sincere, demonstrated how everyday respect and support can have a ripple effect.  Those simple moments helped inspire this kindness initiative.

And though not speaking in any official capacity, these personal positive reflections about Henkel, and the Aerosol department, especially, have helped encourage coworkers to get together informally to have greater impact on the local community:  When you witness an act of helpfulness or generosity — in Aerosol or anywhere in Henkel — consider paying it forward in your own way, whether publicly or quietly.  These gestures accumulate and uplift.  

We also recognize that public efforts can sometimes be misunderstood or misconstrued.  There may be individuals who try to question motives or twist positive intentions: "Why do I have to tell people?  I do good things on my own."  Yet, as a community of coworkers, we choose not to let that discourage good from being done as a collective.  If that kind of pushback appears, we acknowledge it for what it is, and continue to work together, in any event.

And with a following that includes Celebrities and Public figures who are excited about the good taking place in this community and what's happening in the Finger Lakes -- and with a following of over 100,000 online, Model Poetry is pleased to help facilitate this outreach.

We remain focused on encouraging the good we see, honoring the positive actions that sometimes go unnoticed, and building an environment where kindness is not the exception — but the rule.