The Nice Blog

Sat, July 17, 2010 - 11:27:51

Can a Big Raise Make You Mean?

As the CEO and President of the Kaplan Thaler Group, we’ve learned first-hand that NICE is the most effective business philosophy. In the so-called “dog-eat-dog” corporate world, we’ve made it to the top not by stepping on the backs of others, but by smiling and shaking hands. 

In our book, we discuss how NICE people are happier, healthier, and luckier in love, and—contrary to what you might think—higher paid than their mean counterparts. But this week, one of our Twitter followers asked for our thoughts on a Wall Street Journal article entitled, “Does More Money Make CEO’s Mean?” and it begged the question: “Can a big raise turn a NICE guy mean?”

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Fri, July 09, 2010 - 3:16:02

Surprise! Warren Buffet’s Tips for Success Have Nothing to Do with Finance.

“If you’re in the luckiest 1 per cent of humanity, you owe it to the rest of humanity to think about the other 99 per cent.” –Warren Buffett

Warren Buffett might be best known for his multi-billion dollar bank account, but the CEO of Berkshire Hathaway is also famed for his generous philanthropy efforts and winning advice on everything from business to parenting.  And although he’s even been nicknamed the “Oracle of Omaha” for his stock picking savvy, he could just as easily have earned the moniker for his brilliant words of wisdom.

In a conversation with the Huffington Post’s Willow Bay, the so-called “Oracle” shows no signs of slowing down when it comes to dispensing great advice and was kind enough to share a few wise words he’s been told over the years. But, what might come as a surprise is that Buffett claims the best advice he ever received wasn’t about art of investing. Instead, it had everything to do with the way in which you treat others.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Fri, July 09, 2010 - 3:04:07

Michael Scott Can’t Teach You Much About Management, but Steve Carell Can.

Last week, The Office star Steve Carell announced he would leave his role as Scranton branch manager Michael Scott at the end of next season. Although his character’s management style can teach the rest of us little about the keys to success in the business world, it turns out the actor actually can. In a recent New Yorker interview, Tad Friend explains that many of Carell’s professional achievements are due to the actor’s immense talent, but his career success can also be attributed to his reputation as one of the industry’s nicest guys.

Friend writes, “Off-camera, Carell holds doors, waits in line, always has a friendly word, and never calls attention to himself.” As an actor who has made a name in Hollywood by becoming an indispensible member of ensemble casts performing largely improvisational comedies, Carell has used NICE to build relationships on and off stage.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Sat, July 03, 2010 - 9:35:07

Nice Bike

Every so often, we come across a book that echoes our NICE philosophy and touches our hearts. A few days ago, that’s just what happened when we received a copy of Nice Bike: Making Meaningful Connections on the Road of Life from the author, Emmy Award-winning keynote speaker and humorist, Mark Scharenbroich.

Written in a light-hearted, story-driven style, Scharenbroich’s book was inspired by—of all things—a Harley Davidson motorcycle convention he happened upon while travelling through the town of Neenah, Wisconsin.  Although surrounded by a diverse assortment of motorcycle enthusiasts—everyone from tough-looking, leather-clad bikers, to preppy professionals—he saw the amazing power two little words had to connect people from all walks of life: “Nice bike.”

Somehow, those words resonated with Scharenbroich and it became his motto. “Nice Bike.” Two little words driven by three positive actions: acknowledge, honor, and connect.
As Scharenbroich poignantly writes, Nice Bike is “not a technique; it’s a genuine interest in others and the willingness to acknowledge the talents and accomplishments of everyone.”

What better way to live your life? When you “Nice Bike” someone, everyone benefits. Not only do you make another person’s day, you make your own, too. It can come through even the smallest of actions. While you might not suspect it, one little interaction can have a powerful multiplier effect that can spread from person to person and plant positive seeds all around you—and that doesn’t just mean a better day. It means a better life.

To learn more about Mark’s new book, which includes a foreword by Mark Sanborn, please visit his website at www.NiceBike.com.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Sat, July 03, 2010 - 9:31:33

It’s Not Personal; It’s Business. Or is it?

Today on the Harvard Business Review’s blog, Peter Bregman discusses the importance of friendships in your career development and he shared a humorous, yet powerful video which illustrates one of the most common misconceptions when it comes to competition: “I’m not here to make friends. I’m here to win.”

Posted by Linda and Robin
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