The Nice Blog

Sat, May 29, 2010 - 9:18:52

You Don’t Have to Like Someone in Order to Be Nice

Earlier today we came across a great letter in the New York Times in response to an article published last week on the importance of having enemies as children.  While the article suggests that “when someone dislikes you, it may be adaptive to dislike them back,” we feel—like the author of the letter—that even if you may dislike someone, it’s essential to remain nice. 

After all, as Woody Allen once said, “There are some people you love, and some people you just want to pinch,” but no matter how much your personality may clash with someone else’s, being civil can not only help you navigate tough social situations, it can leave you looking like a winner—regardless of your age.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Wed, May 26, 2010 - 1:01:00

The Biggest Work-Related Health Risk Might Surprise You

According to Mainstreet.com, working in an office all day exposes you to a number of serious health risks, from typing-induced carpal tunnel syndrome, to bacteria infested desks—which University of Arizona microbiologist Dr. Charles Gerba explains are often 400 times dirtier than your toilet at home.  But, new research reveals that the stuff around your office might not be the most dangerous thing in your workplace. In fact, working for a bad boss can actually have the most dramatic negative impact on your health.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Tue, May 18, 2010 - 9:07:02

Future Business Leaders Listen

Over the next few weeks, the blogs at the Harvard Business Review are running a series of posts on how leadership might look in the future. Each week, a different author outlines an essential trait or collection of traits he or she thinks will be indispensible when faced with the challenge leading an organization. So far, we have noticed quite an interesting trend: our NICE principles seem to be a key element of their future predictions.

Michael Beer writes that the next generation of successful business leaders must possess strong listening skills in order to effectively manage an organization, regardless of size. And perhaps most importantly, they must be willing to hear honest feedback from people at all levels of the company.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Mon, May 17, 2010 - 9:01:06

The Power of Smiles

On Thursday afternoon, locals in Baltimore, Md. gathered in the town’s Inner Harbor to put a smile on the face of the city—literally. As part of an effort to promote the city’s Department of Travel and Tourism’s new ad campaign, staffers organized to form the largest smiley face in history.  Viewed from above, it was quite a sight.  And after reading an article about that big grin, it got us thinking about the power of smiles.

It’s a topic that one of our favorite psychology writers, Dr. Carol Kinsey Goman wrote about recently in her weekly e-mail newsletter. In her article, she explains that the human brain is naturally programmed to prefer smiles over any other expression.  In fact, the eye can recognize a smiling face from more than 300 feet away. While, humans probably developed this gift as a defense mechanism, today, that same skill can help people begin to formulate a first impression before receiving a handshake or even hearing a word. What’s more, scientists at Duke University have proven that a person who smiles leaves a more lasting impression than someone who doesn’t.

In other words, if you want to be memorable, try flashing those pearly whites.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Wed, May 12, 2010 - 9:27:40

Transformational Leaders Have One Thing in Common: They’re Nice

Earlier today, we came across a fantastic blog post by Dr. Cleve Stevens on the Harvard Business Review’s blog, The Conversation, in which he discusses the key characteristics for transformational leaders.  No matter what industry, educational background, or professional credentials, Stevens argues that truly transformational leaders—the ones who can bring a company back from the brink—have one thing in common. They’re NICE.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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