The Nice Blog

Fri, June 18, 2010 - 9:24:42

Ann Taylor LOFT Uses the Power of Nice to Generate Online Buzz

Yesterday, several Ann Taylor LOFT employees tried on a new style of silk cargo pants, took a few photos, and posted them to Facebook.  But, instead of generating a few friendly “likes” from their family and friends, the photographs were the first link in a chain of positive interactions that have made international headlines today.  You see, the photos were posted to the Ann Taylor LOFT Facebook page, and were taken in response to direct feedback from their loyal fans. And they are proof positive that even in the digital realm, nice works.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Sat, June 12, 2010 - 3:57:58

Learning to “Fight Right” with Your Spouse Can Fend Off Illness

If you’ve ever uttered “You make me sick,” while in a heated argument with your spouse, you might actually be right.  Recent research suggests that couples who don’t know how to resolve disputes in a healthy manner could be seriously endangering their health.

CNN reports that a study conducted at Ohio State University found that couples with positive communication styles healed faster from minor wounds than those who fought in a negative manner. Scientists found that the participants who healed fastest displayed the highest levels of the protective hormone oxytocin in their blood—and that, they theorize, is directly related to the overall happiness of their marriages.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Fri, June 11, 2010 - 3:45:17

They Say “Money Talks,” But NICE Gets the Best Results

We’ve all heard the old expression, “Money talks,” but a recent survey conducted by McKinsey has revealed some rather unexpected findings—particularly in our tough economic times.  It seems that although financial incentives help motivate employees, the best motivators appeal to the emotions instead.

According to the study, 60 per cent of respondents rated performance-based cash bonuses as “effective” or “extremely effective,” but praise and recognition from an immediate manager was called “effective” or “extremely effective” by an even greater percentage of 67 per cent.  What’s more, respondents found all emotionally-based motivators—with other options including attention from leaders and opportunities for increased leadership—to be more effective than financial ones.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Sun, June 06, 2010 - 10:34:22

For a More Perfect Union, Treat Your Spouse Like Your Pet

Could treating your spouse more like your favorite four-legged friend actually hold the key to marital happiness? According to a recent article in the New York Times, Long Island University clinical psychologist Suzanne B. Phillips claims that approaching your relationship with your romantic partner in the same way you might with your pet can actually help it succeed in the long term. No, she doesn’t mean keeping your husband or wife on a proverbial short leash. Instead, Phillips believes that the same enthusiasm, unconditional love, and forgiveness we show our pets is what’s missing from many human-to-human relationships.

Although at first the idea sounds silly, we think Phillips might be onto something.  After all, NICE is luckier in love—and science can prove it. A study out of the University of Toronto found that people who are friendly and congenial are half as likely to get divorced as the general population.  So, showing your partner a little more good-natured affection can have a powerful effect.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Fri, June 04, 2010 - 10:24:26

The Call Heard Round the World: What Managers Can Learn from Armando Galarraga and Jim Joyce

It was the call heard round the world, when Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Armando Galarraga was denied his chance at a perfect game after umpire Jim Joyce made what most sports fans have deemed a bad ruling. Not just a bad one, but according to New York Times sports writer Tyler Kepner, “easily the most egregious blown call in baseball over the last 25 years.” Immediately after Joyce’s ill-fated decision not to call out Cleveland Indians’ shortstop Jason Donald as he ran to first base, the public unleashed a tirade of mean-spirited remarks, Twitter insults, and even Wikipedia page edits. But, even as he missed out on a career-making dream, Galarraga came out a winner for one surprising reason: he was nice. And so, it turns out, was the “ump.”

Posted by Linda and Robin
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