The Nice Blog

Fri, November 25, 2011 - 12:25:02

Golf Can Put Your Career on the Right Course

Earlier today, we came across an intriguing piece from The Economist, citing a new study that found that managers who play golf earn 17% more, on average than those who forego the sport. Although, the author explained, the findings were probably just a coincidence; he speculated that perhaps golf’s sportsmanlike culture could give managers a leg-up on the competition. And that really got our attention. Because even though we’re not exactly experts on a Par Four, we do know a thing or two about exhibiting good sportsmanship in a heated competition.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Wed, November 16, 2011 - 10:58:36

Teens, the ‘Net, and Nice

A new study published by Pew Research paints a rather surprising picture of the way in which most teens experience social networks on a day-to-day basis. Although much has been reported about teens behaving badly online, this research suggests that mean may not be “trending” as hotly as it used to. And while internet bullying and other unkind behaviors are still practiced by many adolescents, NICE is actually becoming a more a predominant and widely accepted behavior online—whether on Facebook, Twitter, or Formspring—and one we hope will spread.
Although some teens interviewed expectedly explained that the relatively impersonal nature of the internet does increase the likelihood that they will be mean, rude, or curt with one of their friends, many others confessed that their experience was quite the opposite…

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Tue, October 25, 2011 - 1:36:25

Laughter Really is the Best Medicine

Numerous studies have shown that having a good-natured sense of humor can help you stay healthy long into your old age, but new research suggests that can also provide a real benefit to elderly people suffering from devastating illnesses. In particular, a new study out of Australia suggests that laughter can greatly improve the lives of people with dementia, a blanket term used to describe a number of conditions with similar neurodegenerative effects on the brain.

The three-year study, lead by humor therapist Jean-Paul Bell and the University of New South Wales School of Psychology professor, Lee-Fay Low, was conducted among 400 participants in 36 nursing homes throughout Australia. During that time, the participants were regularly entertained by Bell, who, according to MSNBC, “dressed in a bright blue jacket with brass buttons and shoulder tabs” and used “a combination of games, jokes and songs—accompanying himself on a ukulele—to get the elderly to laugh.”

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Thu, October 06, 2011 - 11:46:43

Three Ways NICE Wins at Negotiation

Think you have to play hardball to come out on top in a tough negotiation? Think again. You don’t have to be cutthroat, domineering, or intimidating to get want you want in the business world. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. Research has found repeatedly that many NICE techniques are actually just as effective—if not more so—than those stereotypical, aggressive (not to mention outdated) boardroom behaviors.

We won’t pretend that a high-stakes negotiation doesn’t have the potential to get heated, but you don’t have to stoop to a lower level. Instead, you can use NICE to give yourself the upper hand.

Try these tips:

Posted by Linda and Robin
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Thu, September 29, 2011 - 1:04:58

Never Underestimate the Power of a “RAoK”

Earlier this week, while we were perusing one of our favorite blogs, Operation NICE, we came across a video that really touched our hearts—and served as yet another striking example of the power only kindness has.

The video by Lucas Jatoba, a Brazilian-born Australia resident, was created in celebration of his own thirtieth birthday. Made only a month ago, the video has quickly become an Internet sensation, evidencing once again NICE 2.0’s unique viral potential.

30 gifts to 30 strangers in Sydney from Lucas Jatoba on Vimeo.

Posted by Linda and Robin
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