The Nice Blog

Mon, September 19, 2011 - 9:28:06

At Work, Laughter is No Joke

We’ve all heard the expression “We mean business,” used to express a sense of seriousness and gravity in the professional world. But, what if we told you that keeping things “strictly business” in your workplace could actually have a damaging effect on productivity and weaken your employees’ team working skills?

Several studies conducted by psychologists at Oxford University and the University of Maryland Baltimore County suggest that cutting up at work could be integral to building a stronger, more effective workforce. Why? Because, as the researchers found, laughter strengthens social bonds.

Dr. Robin Dunbar of Oxford University explains to the New York Times that relaxed, social laughter is not only contagious, it actually fosters closeness in a group, and makes it easier to maintain those bonds once they are formed.

In other words, laughter brings people together.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Thu, September 01, 2011 - 10:18:06

Say Something Nice

Think only negative, snarky content has the potential to go viral online? Think again. This week, we—and countless other web surfers—were thrilled to discover this video produced by Improv Everywhere. And if you haven’t had a chance to view it, we highly recommend you do:

With over a million views in less than a week’s time, Improv Everywhere’s YouTube success is proof once again of the exceptional POWER OF NICE. Even your smallest acts of kindness—a friendly greeting or a little compliment, for example—has limitless promise.  Why? Because each of these interactions is the chance to plant a positive seed. Over time, these seeds grow and blossom, creating a fertile universe that’s ripe with personal and professional opportunity.

Yet, too often in our busy day-to-day lives, this potential remains untapped.  So, why not let this latest Internet sensation inspire you to start flexing your NICE muscles today? You don’t need a megaphone and a podium to make a big impact on someone else’s day. All you need are a few kind words. So, what are you waiting for? Say something NICE!

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Tue, August 23, 2011 - 10:26:47

Does it Pay to Be Nice?

Recently, there’s been a study in the news that’s getting quite a lot of attention. “Mean People Earn More Money,” a Wall Street Journal headline asserted. But, is it true? And, more important, what exactly does it mean to be “mean” and what are those underpaid so-called “nice” guys doing wrong?

According to “Do Nice Guys—and Gals—Really Finish Last?,” a study conducted by Beth A. Livingston of Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Timothy A. Judge of the University of Notre Dame, and Charlice Hurst of the University of Western Ontario, people—and men in particular—who were considered highly agreeable earn significantly less than their less agreeable counterparts.

But does this really mean that NICE guys—and gals—finish last?

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Fri, August 12, 2011 - 10:59:12

Want the Corner Office? Try being NICE.

When it comes to ambitious young professionals, two of the most commonly repeated phrases are: “I’m not here to make friends,” and “It’s not personal, it’s just business.” But, what if we told you that the most effective way to succeed in the so-called dog-eat-dog business world isn’t to snarl at your perceived competition, but rather to wag your tail?

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Wed, August 03, 2011 - 8:43:51

The Power of a Virtual Smile

If you follow us on @ThePowerofSmall on Twitter, then you know how we regularly trade SMALL and NICE tips with our readers and fellow authors and bloggers. We always appreciate the friendly messages sent to us from our followers, which are sometimes as simple as a “Good morning!” And last week, we got a tiny @mention from a reader that sparked a big idea. The message?

“:)”

Posted by Linda and Robin
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