I think this is right. It sounds very simple and, true, there are people who will take advantage of your being nice. Let's say sociopathic tendencies are present in about 1-4% of people, that means about 1-4% of people will look for ways to take advantage of your niceness. But 96-99% of people will appreciate it and respond favorably ~ they'll want to give back. Even if you're the calculating type, these are not bad odds for taking a chance and embracing "nice." ~ Ilene
The secret to success (Picture courtesy of Flickr user stevendepolo)
(MoneyWatch) COMMENTARY The other night I was watching a Ron White comedy special called "You can't fix stupid." The guy's hilarious. And, in addition to being right, he's also a jerk.
I don't mean that in a bad way; I've always sort of admired that in people. After all, I'm a pretty big jerk myself. But recently, through a strange course of events, I've come to see the error in my ways. I've come to realize that "You can't beat nice."
That's right. The whole "nice guys finish last" thing is dead wrong. Organizations are far more effective when people are nice to each other. Nice wins.
Now, anyone who knows me has got to be cracking up right about now because, like I said, I'm not a very nice person. But lately, I've been advising some friends on their career strategy. One woman, a friend of my wife's, is so smart, open, and downright nice, I don't think she has a clue what a pleasure she is to work with. I'd do anything for her. That's just how nice she is.
Keep reading The secret to success: Be nice – CBS News.
