The Nice Blog

Thu, January 19, 2012 - 12:28:26

In the C-Suite of the Future, “C” Stands for Collaboration

In a recent Forbes piece, Doreen Lorenzo explains why the “C” in C-suite may be in for a necessary change. The complex challenges facing today’s leadership calls for a new approach—and, as we also believe, that approach is a collaborative one.

Our company, the Kaplan Thaler Group, was founded on this model. Instead of operating from the top down, we’ve always encouraged ideas from everyone within our ranks, whether we were a seven person company or one made up of several hundred. And it’s been a vital part of our success as one of the nation’s fastest growing advertising agencies.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Thu, January 12, 2012 - 9:36:31

Caring Criticism

In this month’s Harvard Business Review, Keith Ferrazzi discusses the powerful implications of candor in the workplace. Although some might mistakenly believe that NICE and candidness are mutually exclusive traits, we strongly believe in fostering an environment in which candor is the norm. In fact, being willing to deliver an opinion that might be unpopular is an essential part of our NICE philosophy, while refraining from it altogether certainly is not.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Wed, December 21, 2011 - 2:07:57

The Best Gift this Holiday Season Doesn’t Cost a Thing

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the host of holiday deals have many consumers clamoring to the stores in search of a big bargain on the perfect gifts for our family and friends. But, during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, perhaps we don’t take enough time to think about one of the main reasons for why we give. No matter how large or small, gifts are a way of telling that they matter to us. And that’s why, even thought it’s a cliché, the old expression, “It’s the thought that counts” rings true.

Although the holidays are a time when many of us have a tendency to think big, the truth is, one of the best gifts you can give is a small act of gratitude. True, it might not come wrapped in a big red bow. But, simply taking a moment at the holidays (or any time of year, for that matter) to recognize the important roles others play in your day-to-day life and say “thank you” can leave a long and lasting impact.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Tue, December 13, 2011 - 9:00:57

Passenger Outbursts Are No Laughing Matter

Over the weekend, Alec Baldwin made light of his recent run-in with American Airlines on Saturday Night Live. As you probably recall, the incident made headlines after he was thrown off a flight to New York for refusing to turn off his iPhone while in the midst of a heated game of Words with Friends.

Although the SNL skit was humorous to say the least, Baldwin’s behavior on the flight was no laughing matter. Because, as we wrote recently in an LA Times Op-Ed, in order to make the skies a little friendlier, it’s up to airlines and passengers to get along.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Mon, December 05, 2011 - 12:29:56

Recognizing Your Company’s Greatest Assets

According to the New York Times’ Eyelyn M. Rusli, many experts speculate that Zynga, the company on the brink of a hotly anticipated IPO, is at risk of losing the high-value employees that helped build it. And for a company that’s made a name for itself by creating addictively fun social games, the reason why might surprise you. As it turns out, the gaming company’s Achilles heel may be an over-competitive, cutthroat culture that fails to recognize the contributions of its MVPs, its employees.

Unfortunately, it’s a story we’ve heard far too often, based on the misinformed belief that in order to succeed in the business world, you have to be ruthless, whether it’s with your competition or with your staff. But, we’re here to debunk that myth. Not only can you grow your business and get the most out of your employees while being NICE, you’ll actually make yourself more competitive in our dog-eat-dog business world. And as the founders of one of the nation’s fastest growing advertising agencies, with one of the industry’s highest employee retention rates, we know first-hand that it pays to be nice.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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