Have you ever been dressed down by someone seemingly smarter than you just so that person could make a point? Have you ever been “called out” – or even worse – dismissed because you were behind the learning curve on a particular issue? Have you ever been interrupted or talked over, implying that your opinion or perspective was not worthy of even being heard? I have; and it is the worst feeling in the world. It conjures up all sorts of responses – none of which are productive or in the spirit of building good, strong personal or professional relationships.
Recently I read a magnificent HBR blog written by Bill Taylor, co-founder of Fast Company. He tells two powerful true stories which drive this point home – one about an poignant interaction with his grandmother and one about Panera Bread and how a particular store manager went above and beyond to serve an ailing customer who craved Panera soup in the hospital. Both stories will give you pause about the power of kindness…read them!
In light of this article, entitled “It is more important to be kind than clever,” I began to think of how this applied to my own work. Recently, a few of my clients have voiced impatience and, in fact, a lack of tolerance with certain employees who in their words “simply don’t get it” or “are not working with the same passion and sense of urgency that I have.” The interactions with their teams and peers have been short, irritable, and in some cases downright rude and insufferable. The subsequent feedback from their colleagues has been harsh and direct: “Tom is just impossible to work with”, “No one wants to work with Sue”, and “Nothing is ever good enough for Dave – I don’t even want to pick up the phone when I know he is on the other end.” Sound familiar?
Last week’s blog offered a few suggestions on how to lay a stronger foundation with team members to avoid being labeled “that unreasonable person” and to build a more collaborative work environment with your colleagues and partners. These basic tips are familiar to all of us, I am sure; yet, in the heat of the moment often become the first casualty.
In short, the net point of both of these posts is simply this: nice trumps smart every time. There is no reason or justification to be rude, dismissive, or smarter than another just to prove a point. It serves no purpose and no one – especially you. We need to remember that small acts of kindness and generosity of spirit build bridges. It is much harder to be thoughtful, courteous and generous when pressures loom and we are under the gun. When we are able to couple being nice AND deliver strong results – the combination is indisputably powerful.
What is your perspective on this? Have a story to share? We are listening…
Excellent! Thanks for this one….
conni
Conni – thank you!! We have all been there, I imagine!
I’m in total agreement, and it would be nice ( pun intended )if it was a requirement for participation in elective office. Nevertheless, while its effectiveness can’t be denied, there are always those within an organization whose personal styles seem immune to this treatment. So what are we to do with the ones whose talents and contributions are otherwise worthwhile?
Thanks for the great words… small acts of kindness and generosity of spirit build bridges… so true!
Alan
I have been the person that “doesn’t get it” or doesn’t work with the same sense of urgency, etc. I was talked down to, yelled at, made to feel inadequate, etc. this can be a very dangerous situation. I worked under these conditions until I had a panic attack. The more you. Criticize,scrutinize, humiliate a person, the less effective they become.
Rita, thank you for sharing. We have probably all been there at one time or another. I know I have. We can cower and shut down. Or we can ‘stand up on our hind legs’ and stand tall. You are so right – that as leaders – it is a very ineffective way to lead.
Alan, thank you for your comments, too! Please share if you think these are valuable!!
Hi Kristan,
I have a blog where I reference being nice, choosing love, and
opening to the possibilities… I blog about my dance of life and all the experiences
that life brings. Adellebrewer.com
Your words reminded me of this entry in July: http://www.adellebrewer.com/2012/07/six-degrees-of-separation.html
Thank you for your inspiration!
Adelle – it is reaffirming to know that others appreciate treating others with kindness in business. I just read your blog, and you have interesting – though very distinctive – perspectives. Thank you for sharing.
Great article, Kristin. I passed the link and article along to leaders in my hospital. It is a great reminder about the true heart of service.
Cody – thank you! Have missed staying in touch – and hope all is well with you!
Couldn’t have said it better, Kristin. I’ve been in those pinchy, uncomfortable shoes. A wonderful book that everyone should read is The Power Of Nice by Linda Thaler and Robin Koval. Forwarding your blog to my colleagues at the agency.
Gail, thank you! Love the book recommendation – this is a GREAT book!