I recently interviewed Linda Kaplan Thaler, a Madison Avenue ad wizard and author of “The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness.”** She and her partner and co-author, Robin Koval, attribute much of their professional success to taking the high road – to giving others a helping hand. They assert that being nice isn't just a "good" thing to do; it's actually a smart business strategy, one that makes their employees work harder, enjoy their lives more, and draws potential clients to them.
I believe this with all my heart. Case in point: Last weekend I drove over an hour to visit a store for their annual sale. It was my first time there. And though the sale was great, and though the store's selection was incredible, I don't think I'll be back any time soon. Why? The lady who checked me out -- and who was either the owner or the manager -- was not very nice to me.
It wasn't that she was out-and-out rude, but she was brusque, didn't look me in the eye, and barely acknowledged my existence -- even though I had just spent $70 in her store.
How hard would it have been for her to say, "Have you shopped here before?" or "What are you planning on making with your purchases?" or even a heartfelt "Thanks for coming in!" Instead, she responded with impatience at my question about the closest Starbucks and shoved my stuff in the bag and gave me a grimace (that was, I think, supposed to be a smile).
Even now as I think back on it, I have an ache in the pit of my stomach. Why would I drive that far to visit a store when the experience actually makes me feel ill? I won't.
ANYWAY, my point goes beyond the customer-business relationship. I am as guilty as the next person of rushing through my day without taking the time to slow down and acknowledge the people I come in contact with.
The amount of disregard and anger in the world is really scary to me. Because, after all, how can we tackle the bigger problems of war, famine, and epidemic violence and illness, if we can’t even share a property line with our next-door neighbor without almost coming to blows over whose turn it is to trim the hedges?
Why be nice? You may ask. What’s the point? How can we possibly “get ahead” or “play the game” if we let others walk all over us?
I’m not advocating becoming a doormat. I’m suggesting that we all take a little more care and consideration in our interactions with others. That we smile a little more. That we hug a little longer. That we retreat from "Planet Me" to "Planet We."
**Want to win a copy of this book? I'll pass mine on to you! Everyone who leaves a comment to this post will be entered in a random drawing and will receive a copy, postage on me! The catch: You have to pass it on to someone else after you've read it.
