Kindness isn’t soft — it’s strategic. When we think of February, it might conjure hearts and flowers, but appreciation at work doesn’t have to be cheesy to be powerful. In fact, the dates around Valentine’s Day  and Random Acts of Kindness Day  are great reminders that simple, sincere recognition can be a strategic leadership practice. In challenging environments — where goals are tight and the weather seems endless — small expressions of appreciation matter. A handwritten no