Try being nice

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Sept. 17, 2009

Do nice guys finish…first? When is comes to succeeding in business, author Kristin Tillquist argues that the answer is yes. Tillquist joins Larry to talk about her new book, “Capitalizing on Kindness: Why 21st Century Professionals Need to be Nice.” Has your boss gotten the memo yet?

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Wed., March 17th, at 7:00 p.m

The event is free and open to the public. RSVP: airtalk@kpcc.org.
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Guest:


Kristin Tillquist, author of "Capitalizing on Kindness: Why 21st Century Professionals Need to Be Nice" (Career Press)

Jorenz
6 months ago

I have experienced the direct opposite. I have always tried to be nice in the workplace. Went out of my way to help others and lend an ear. I've never been promoted for being kind or nice. I will admit that it has gotten me noticed and helped with getting others to help me but it has been my hard work that has gotten me ahead. I'll add that the people I've had the pleasure of working with have gotten the better gigs by being more direct and not being nice just to be nice. I'm not saying they are mean people but they did not go out of their way to be kind.

Ah heck I love everyone I've ever worked with! Have a great day Larry!!! :-)

lisa
6 months ago

as a small business owner, in a field that has a cut throat attitude, I have devoted myself to creating a standard of fairness,helpfullness and ease in my shop. Time and Time again as new stylist and new clients come into my shop they always comment on how nice the atmosphere is in my place. We have no back bitting, gossip, we are a shop that is focused on helping each other and communication.
Additionally there is a national geographic episode on stress featuring Robert Sabolinski documenting the HEALTH benefits to kindness.
thanks Lisa

Carol
6 months ago

I notice you didn't mention Disneyland as being an example of "kindness." As a cast member, I have found such a positive atmosphere, and a philosophy of treating others well.

steve
6 months ago

With all due respect, the author presupposes the definition of success. Though I would rather and generally do the authors perspective, in a capitalistic workplace where success is earnings and profit, the answer is definitely NO. The proof is easily in the pudding and always has been.

A few examples: Nacchio, Madoff, AIG executives who took large bonuses, all financial executives, most CEOs; shall we get into successful politicians. Success is not nice; it can be fair and eloquent.

Let's face it, going for the jugular is a big part of successful capitalism!

Please, in a capitalistic society, the definition of success is the bottom line and therefore, as a speaker on NPR said the other day, "no executive will do anything that would deter from this goal" unless compelled by law! To be nice is to be perceived as weak and in the art of war (as capitalism is defined) weakness is failure! The movie Wall Street personaified this as good as any.

Pat
6 months ago

My experience as a person working in private businesses is that the person above me knows how to be nice to his/her boss, but is simply authoritative to his/her direct reports.

I like Kristen's ideas and I hope a trend spreads in the business community.

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