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A Leadership Perspective That Gets Results Every Time
Why You Should Always Be Nice
By Dr. Paul L. Gerhardt, PhD
In our world today self-centered and corrupt people, it can make people think twice about who they support, hire, or even befriend. When we do choose to bring people in, it may be a challenge to believe that said person is who they say they are and in all regards--nice. There are many reasons to incorporate niceness into a person’s perceived personality, ranging from psychological happiness to also making others happy as a leader. Today’s article will discuss why you should always be nice – and also how your behavior with others can transform you into a better leader.
First of all, being nice is good for the soul. Among all of life’s pressures and ordeals how many can keep a sane, stress-free mind? Being nice to someone helps in this regard a lot. Giving a simple compliment to an employee for their hard work that month could mean the world to them and at the same time it will also ease your mind, thinking about the kind action. Every employee needs to know where they stand and if there are improvements that need to be made, take the time to coach people respectfully and in a nice way. You will find that your advice will most likely be taken better and utilized. Giving respect to others, usually gets it back in return.
For a leader to become successful he/she needs to have a team that respects and admires him/her. If you’re cruel to your team members, for example by making them work tirelessly while you just give orders, the members will not stay in the team for long. Be nice to them, show genuine appreciation for their efforts and most importantly work alongside them. This is the most important part of being chief – working shoulder to shoulder with the group not only expresses niceties, it also shows dedication and effort to the job. We naturally respect those who are willing to roll up their sleeves and “walk the talk”, as well as “talk the walk”. Lead by example in every moment! You will find that this helps boost your leadership strength.
A leader’s job is not to just sit on a chair to give orders. The 21st century has moved far past that time – now, the leaders work ten times as harder than their workers to get the job done. Being nice while you do it, gives you a more positive outlook each day. Set the tone and maintain it. It pays dividends!
Being nice doesn’t cost money. There is a huge difference between the way you tell someone to do something, in tone and in simply saying a ‘please’ in the order. Both types of dialogue are commands; it’s just that the latter sounds less like a barking order and more like a respectful one. Being nice is only a matter of simple habit and practice. Anyone can do it if only taught how. If you think barking orders is okay, it is probably because you saw that modeled before by someone in authority. That does not always make it the right thing to do. Right?
Being nice to every person in your organization, no matter their title, or standing up to give your seat to a person of the opposite gender defines class. It defines your principles, values and morals. You never know, that person you met on the bus could be your next employer! The citizen you help or the employee you supervise each day may be keeping you in her daily prayers and wishing for your success in the future. And if that wasn’t enough, consider the fact that you are the leader and role-model for countless people around you. There are many who will take inspiration from your behavior and take it upon themselves to be nice. Remember these people because every step of the way they are learning from your decisions, actions and behavior.
No one is born perfect. Similarly, I do understand that it sometimes feels like it is not always possible to be nice to someone. You have every right to let go, to be angry, to show your emotions. However, we must remember every action we make will have consequences and benefits. To me, it just makes sense to maintain a positive perspective on things and treat every person with kindness. It may cause a chain reaction of others being nice to others, which helps create a place where people want to work at and do business, as well as tell others positive things that could make your workplace stronger. Now, I have given you some reasons on why a leader should be nice – the rest is up to you.
Dr. Paul Gerhardt is a tenured professor of management, diversity and leadership lecturer/trainer and the author of several publications available on Amazon.com, including Diversity at Work and the new Leadership Handbook. Consider inviting Dr. Paul Gerhardt to do customized leadership or diversity training at your organization. Most organizations find that diversity and leadership training by the right trainer has a significant instant return on investment. You can get your FREE COPY of the Leadership Handbook by clicking this link: http://bit.ly/LeadershipHandbook
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