The Business of Kindness

In The Business of Kindness (2006), author Olivia McIvor introduced the powerful role kindness plays in creating positive, purposeful and profitable workplaces. In this second edition, McIvor fast-forwards to the effect technological change and social media have had on the workplace and the challenges of bullying, employee retention and disengagement businesses face. To McIvor, relationships are front and center in any discussion on how business and community may thrive. The quality of our relationships ultimately determines the health, well-being and success of business and society. Kindness is not often considered a worthwhile solution in challenging and changing times; yet ‘kindness’ is a powerful and meaningful antidote within every person’s grasp. This book identifies the twelve habits of collaboration that, when put into conscious action, have the power to create positive change. Packed full of reflective exercises, self-assessments, research and thought-provoking stories, this book promises to create renewal and community connection. Where would we be without the courageous, without people willing to take responsibility and act, without those who are trustworthy, and who patiently demonstrate tolerance when tough situations arise? Where would we be without the power of kindness that lies within you?

In The Business of Kindness (2006), author Olivia McIvor introduced the powerful role kindness plays in creating positive, purposeful and profitable workplaces. In this second edition, McIvor fast-forwards to the effect technological change and social media have had on the workplace and the challenges of bullying, employee retention and disengagement businesses face. To McIvor, relationships are front and center in any discussion on how business and community may thrive. The quality of our relationships ultimately determines the health, well-being and success of business and society. Kindness is not often considered a worthwhile solution in challenging and changing times; yet ‘kindness’ is a powerful and meaningful antidote within every person’s grasp. This book identifies the twelve habits of collaboration that, when put into conscious action, have the power to create positive change. Packed full of reflective exercises, self-assessments, research and thought-provoking stories, this book promises to create renewal and community connection. Where would we be without the courageous, without people willing to take responsibility and act, without those who are trustworthy, and who patiently demonstrate tolerance when tough situations arise? Where would we be without the power of kindness that lies within you?

With 30 years in business management, Olivia’s career has also included over two decades in Human Resource management and leadership development. Her approach to people management is as innovative as it is creative. Combine that with her philosophical mind and her vast library of experiences and you have a unique blend of inspiring leadership. Her diverse background included progressive careers in retail and tourism prior to establishing a name in the financial industry as the 'Human Touch' HR Director. It was here she pioneered and spearheaded the implementation of numerous innovative workplace wellness and employee engagement initiatives with outstanding results. Ms. McIvor has worked with hundreds of clients in a broad array of industries including: Healthcare, Technology, Education, Retail, Oil and Gas, Utilities, Natural Resources, Tourism, Hospitality, Financial, and Manufacturing. In 2000 Olivia ventured into the Entrepreneur world herself as the owner of a unique bookstore devoted to Personal and Professional Leadership. In 2001 Olivia was nominated Female Entrepreneur of the Year by Working Women Magazine and has been featured on the Knowledge Network/Discovery Channel for a segment on workplace wellness. Ms. McIvor is a senior partner with The Organizational Culture Group Ltd. where her culture enhancement programs have contributed to strengthening leaders across North America. Her Contagious Kindness and Compassion in Action culture change programs are licensed in five Canadian health care regions to support respectful collegial relationships and enhance compassionate client care. Ms. McIvor’s keynote addresses, consulting and facilitation skills have graced associations, foundations and corporations on topics including Four Generations-One Workplace, The Business of Kindness, Building Collaborative Relationships, and Compassion in Action. Her insight, knowledge and genuine care for workplace culture challenges are forefront in her books, The Business of Kindness; Creating Work Environments Where People Thrive, Four Generations, One Workplace; Sharing in the Information Age and Turning Compassion into Action: A Movement Toward Taking Responsibility. She is also the author and creator of numerous personal and professional development tools. Ms. McIvor teaches in the Faculty of Business at the British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT). She contributes to her community as she serves on the board of the Kindness Foundation of Canada as well as the Greater Vancouver Compassionate Network.  Ms. McIvor lives in Vancouver, Canada