Should You Really Be Nice?

I have an acquaintance who says that NICE stands for:

Non-elective

Insincere

Cynical

Euphemisms

You would correctly surmise he’s not the cheeriest person in the world, nor does he believe in the essential goodness of mankind.

The strict definition of the English word Nice is “pleasant; agreeable; satisfactory” with a secondary definition of “fine; subtle.” I live in Iowa where we talk about “midwest nice” as part of our culture. We wave to other drivers on the farm roads even when we don’t know them! Mothers coach their children to be polite and nice to others, which is a good thing.

Check out the surprising etymology of the word “nice”:

Leaders should be pleasant and engaging (and firm and decisive) rather than nescius. Ignorance should never be the source of “nice.” Nescius serves neither you or others, and certainly not your organization.

Finally, far too many people underestimate the cunning and wile that can lie underneath the surface of “nice.” Be wary of presumptions that nice goes deep. Study and weigh actions more than words.

Many people have observed that nice people don’t “get ahead” in organizations. There may be some Machiavellian truth in that. The people who get ahead are seen as effective. Leaders must work for effectiveness first, and certainly nescius has no place in effectiveness.

Be nice out of courtesy and knowledge and experience. Be nice because it promotes healthy relationships. Be nice but not at the expense of the truth.