Imagine this.
You’re sat at your desk, in your office, with your mobile by your side. You’re tapping away at the keyboard and your phone rings. On the screen it shows the name of your boss. What’s the first thing that comes into your mind?
Something positive? Something negative?
Now imagine this. You pick up your phone and ring one of your team. Your name appears on their screen as it rings. What’s the first thing that comes into their mind?
Something positive? Something negative?
For both of these, let’s hope that it’s positive, especially the last one!
In my experience, it’ll be positive if people like you. People like you because you’re nice to them. Nice to others too. Believe it or not there are benefits to people liking you, in being a nice person.
Research backs it up too.
Peoples trust increases – When you’re nice to people they are more likely to let you into their trust more and do things for you. David Schkade at the University of California, San Diego found that social connectiveness plays a huge role in our lives with people living longer and experiencing less stress, so just by saying thank you can positively impact someone.
People are incredibly more productive – Jacoba Lilius and partners wrote in the Journal of Organizational Behaviour that people in companies that were happier and whose managers were nicer were more motivated and worked more effectively.
People have less time off work – Kim Seoyoun and Ken Ferraro found that when people are nice to others, they demonstrate much lower levels of inflammation. Why is this important? Well inflammation causes illness and fatigue.
Boosts people’s self-esteem – The University of Zurich conducted a study that found that knowing that you have been nice boosts your self-confidence, which in turn boosts others confidence.
Being nice to and helping others may just be the secret to living a life that is not only happier, but healthier, wealthier, more productive and meaningful.
And the great thing about being nice is that it takes seconds and costs nothing!
So, imagine working for a boss that is nice to you. You’d trust them, you’d want to go above and beyond for them. You’d also feel physically and emotionally great, strong and healthy mind and body. How great would that be!?
If you are a leader or manager would every member of your team say you are nice to them? What do you think would be their first thought when they see your name on their phone screen?
Well it’s really simple to influence;
Find out what being nice means to each and every member of your team and do it. Simple as that.
No cost. Minimal time. Maximum impact.
What you waiting for?