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The Power of Nice
In today's interconnected, global marketplace, reputation is more crucial than ever. Companies and people who can be counted on for cooperation and fair play will forge the kind of relationships that lead to bigger and better opportunities, both in business and in life. Studies also show that "nice" companies have lower employee turnover and recruitment costs and higher productivity, challenging the conventional "me or you" mentality of capitalism. In this rewarding audio, Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval share stories of their own professional lives and those of other successful businesses to reveal that, contrary to conventional wisdom, nice guys and gals do finish first. Filled with helpful tips and inspiring advice, The Power of Nice will transform how each of us lives and works.
Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2006
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About the author
Linda Kaplan Thaler
11 books33 followersLinda Kaplan Thaler has been responsible for some of the most touching, relevant and famous advertising campaigns during her 25+ years in the advertising and entertainment business. She is acclaimed within the industry for her innovative and topical approach.
Much of her work is now part of the American pop culture landscape. She has authored and composed campaign jingles that are among the industry’s gold standard. Some examples are: “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid” (Toys ‘R’ Us); “Kodak Moments” (Eastman Kodak) and “The Heart of Communication” (Bell Atlantic). Of her 13 Clio Awards, two were for Best Original Music and Lyrics.
Today, Linda is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Creative Officer of The Kaplan Thaler Group, which she founded in 1997. Now a billion-dollar advertising and entertainment company, The Kaplan Thaler Group is consistently ranked by industry publications as one of the fastest-growing agencies in the United States, touted for its breakthrough creative and immediate results. Linda and her agency are responsible for some of the most memorable advertising in America, including the beloved Aflac duck and Herbal Essences “Totally Organic Experience” ad campaigns. Its clients include Wendy’s, U.S. Bank, Continental Airlines and Pfizer, as well as Procter and Gamble’s Dawn, Cascade and Swiffer brands.
Linda is also a best-selling author. Her three collaborations with coauthor Robin Koval have all received national recognition. Their most recent title, The Power of Small: Why Little Things Make All the Difference, debuted as an instant national bestseller and shows that in a big picture world, every pixel counts. Linda and Robin’s previous book, The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness, debunked the notion that nice “guys” finish last and debuted on the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. Bang! Getting Your Message Heard in a Noisy World, a savvy marketing book and their first title, was also a national bestseller.
Much of her work is now part of the American pop culture landscape. She has authored and composed campaign jingles that are among the industry’s gold standard. Some examples are: “I Don’t Wanna Grow Up, I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid” (Toys ‘R’ Us); “Kodak Moments” (Eastman Kodak) and “The Heart of Communication” (Bell Atlantic). Of her 13 Clio Awards, two were for Best Original Music and Lyrics.
Today, Linda is the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Creative Officer of The Kaplan Thaler Group, which she founded in 1997. Now a billion-dollar advertising and entertainment company, The Kaplan Thaler Group is consistently ranked by industry publications as one of the fastest-growing agencies in the United States, touted for its breakthrough creative and immediate results. Linda and her agency are responsible for some of the most memorable advertising in America, including the beloved Aflac duck and Herbal Essences “Totally Organic Experience” ad campaigns. Its clients include Wendy’s, U.S. Bank, Continental Airlines and Pfizer, as well as Procter and Gamble’s Dawn, Cascade and Swiffer brands.
Linda is also a best-selling author. Her three collaborations with coauthor Robin Koval have all received national recognition. Their most recent title, The Power of Small: Why Little Things Make All the Difference, debuted as an instant national bestseller and shows that in a big picture world, every pixel counts. Linda and Robin’s previous book, The Power of Nice: How to Conquer the Business World with Kindness, debunked the notion that nice “guys” finish last and debuted on the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller lists. Bang! Getting Your Message Heard in a Noisy World, a savvy marketing book and their first title, was also a national bestseller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 199 reviews
June 1, 2011
Before I review this book, I need to level with you and tell you that I, myself, am painfully nice. Or, maybe considerate is a better word. Anyhow, I didn’t read this book to find out how to be nicer. I read this book to try and prove to myself that nice is *not* a detriment to success. For the most part, the authors were able to help me with this determination.
The authors, Robin Koval and Linda Kaplan Thaler, begin with “nice is the toughest four letter word you’ll ever know.” They start with the six principles of nice, and describe how niceness can work in our lives. The six principles are thus:
Positive impressions are like seeds: the results of the power of nice are rarely direct. You may not ever be able to trace your good fortune back to a specific encounter, but it lays the groundwork for a lot of opportunities down the road.
You never know: you should treat everyone you meet as if they were the most important person in the world. Because they are–to somebody. Maybe not to you today, but maybe in the future.
People change: This is a good one for my kids. I tell my boys, who knows…you might end up taking that snarky little know-it-all to the prom one day, so be nice. A little maturity does a lot for people, and snark is a close cousin to wit.
Nice must be automatic: this makes sense, nice only works if it’s genuine.
Negative impressions are like germs: impressions are in the eye of the beholder, and one bad impression can affect everything you do.
You will know: even if other people do not see you treat someone poorly, you will know you did.
The six principles are largely common sense, but it’s good to be reminded of our impact on others in daily encounters.
One part of this book I really liked was the recommendation to try and get to know other people by asking them about themselves. I also read about this strategy in Dale Carnegie’s book, How to Win Friends and Influence People (1937). It makes perfect sense–if you’re genuinely interested in people: who they are and what makes them tick–you should ask them to tell you about themselves.
Also, I like the way the book emphasizes community–we’re taught to take all we can for ourselves in our individualist-centered, capitalist society. But, humans are wired to be community-oriented. After all, our brains are hard-wired for language (Eliot, 2000; Lakoff, 2010, Pinker, 2008; and others), which is our way of communicating with others in our group and maintaining our relationships. Life is not a zero-sum game–if the other person wins, that does not mean that I automatically lose. When you learn to shed the me vs. you mentality, you open up opportunities for everyone.
I enjoyed the chapter on saying “yes” because this is a very effective strategy I learned from a manager I once worked for. We were working on a software project, and the users kept adding features in meeting after meeting. I was exhausted from trying to manage their expectations, so I asked this manager for help working with the users. She said, I should just say “yes” to their requests. I was incredulous. But, then she explained that I should say “yes AND… , ” which goes something like this, “Yes, I agree the feature would be a great addition to the software… AND, it will delay the project due date by two months, so we will likely be finishing in June instead of April.” See how that works?
But, saying “yes” is not just a way to show people consequences, it also opens you up to opportunities you might have otherwise missed. The best example I can think of is when you are invited somewhere, and you’d rather stay home with a good book (yes, this is for the shy people of the world). But, you can say, “yes” and actually enjoy meeting others and having new experiences.
Even though the authors say that nice must be genuine, there is somewhat a karma or what-goes-around-comes-around feel to this book. I believe the authors are simply saying there are more rewards to being nice that just the comfort of knowing you are nice. But, for people who are just naturally considerate, there is simply no other way to do things. So, it’s good to know there might be some reward in it someday.
Overall, it was a quick read and an interesting book. The book contains many stories and anecdotes. I’ll admit, one of the reasons I continue to read books about business successes is for the anecdotes. I’m nosey, and I like reading these little sound-bytes about other people’s lives. Plus, they are an excellent description of the book concepts in action. The book draws knowledge from well-known books on business leadership, so it’s well thought-out and researched compared to other books in the field.
Other References
Carnegie, D. (1937). How to Win Friends and Influence People. New York, NY, USA: Simon and Schuster.
Eliot, L. (2000). What’s Going on in There? How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life. New York City, NY: Bantam.
Lakoff, G. (2008). The political mind: Why you can’t understand 21st century American politics with an 18th century brain. New York, NY, USA: Penguin.
Pinker, S. (2007). The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature. New York, NY: Viking.
The authors, Robin Koval and Linda Kaplan Thaler, begin with “nice is the toughest four letter word you’ll ever know.” They start with the six principles of nice, and describe how niceness can work in our lives. The six principles are thus:
Positive impressions are like seeds: the results of the power of nice are rarely direct. You may not ever be able to trace your good fortune back to a specific encounter, but it lays the groundwork for a lot of opportunities down the road.
You never know: you should treat everyone you meet as if they were the most important person in the world. Because they are–to somebody. Maybe not to you today, but maybe in the future.
People change: This is a good one for my kids. I tell my boys, who knows…you might end up taking that snarky little know-it-all to the prom one day, so be nice. A little maturity does a lot for people, and snark is a close cousin to wit.
Nice must be automatic: this makes sense, nice only works if it’s genuine.
Negative impressions are like germs: impressions are in the eye of the beholder, and one bad impression can affect everything you do.
You will know: even if other people do not see you treat someone poorly, you will know you did.
The six principles are largely common sense, but it’s good to be reminded of our impact on others in daily encounters.
One part of this book I really liked was the recommendation to try and get to know other people by asking them about themselves. I also read about this strategy in Dale Carnegie’s book, How to Win Friends and Influence People (1937). It makes perfect sense–if you’re genuinely interested in people: who they are and what makes them tick–you should ask them to tell you about themselves.
Also, I like the way the book emphasizes community–we’re taught to take all we can for ourselves in our individualist-centered, capitalist society. But, humans are wired to be community-oriented. After all, our brains are hard-wired for language (Eliot, 2000; Lakoff, 2010, Pinker, 2008; and others), which is our way of communicating with others in our group and maintaining our relationships. Life is not a zero-sum game–if the other person wins, that does not mean that I automatically lose. When you learn to shed the me vs. you mentality, you open up opportunities for everyone.
I enjoyed the chapter on saying “yes” because this is a very effective strategy I learned from a manager I once worked for. We were working on a software project, and the users kept adding features in meeting after meeting. I was exhausted from trying to manage their expectations, so I asked this manager for help working with the users. She said, I should just say “yes” to their requests. I was incredulous. But, then she explained that I should say “yes AND… , ” which goes something like this, “Yes, I agree the feature would be a great addition to the software… AND, it will delay the project due date by two months, so we will likely be finishing in June instead of April.” See how that works?
But, saying “yes” is not just a way to show people consequences, it also opens you up to opportunities you might have otherwise missed. The best example I can think of is when you are invited somewhere, and you’d rather stay home with a good book (yes, this is for the shy people of the world). But, you can say, “yes” and actually enjoy meeting others and having new experiences.
Even though the authors say that nice must be genuine, there is somewhat a karma or what-goes-around-comes-around feel to this book. I believe the authors are simply saying there are more rewards to being nice that just the comfort of knowing you are nice. But, for people who are just naturally considerate, there is simply no other way to do things. So, it’s good to know there might be some reward in it someday.
Overall, it was a quick read and an interesting book. The book contains many stories and anecdotes. I’ll admit, one of the reasons I continue to read books about business successes is for the anecdotes. I’m nosey, and I like reading these little sound-bytes about other people’s lives. Plus, they are an excellent description of the book concepts in action. The book draws knowledge from well-known books on business leadership, so it’s well thought-out and researched compared to other books in the field.
Other References
Carnegie, D. (1937). How to Win Friends and Influence People. New York, NY, USA: Simon and Schuster.
Eliot, L. (2000). What’s Going on in There? How the Brain and Mind Develop in the First Five Years of Life. New York City, NY: Bantam.
Lakoff, G. (2008). The political mind: Why you can’t understand 21st century American politics with an 18th century brain. New York, NY, USA: Penguin.
Pinker, S. (2007). The Stuff of Thought: Language as a Window into Human Nature. New York, NY: Viking.
July 20, 2013
The authors of this book, Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Koval, run an advertising company that has proven that nice guys don’t finish last. Sharing the business practices they have adopted over the years, The Power of Nice is a book that insists that playing nice can get you to the top of the industry.
This was a super short book that shared some pretty basic principles:
If you’re nice to everyone, eventually this niceness will pay off and great opportunities will become available to you.
Listen before speaking.
Empathy is the key to success.
Say yes to every opportunity.
With plenty of real-life examples of when kindness has paid off for people, little exercises at the end of each chapter to help you become a better person, and a wealth of good advice, the book contains a lot of information for its 144 pages, but unfortunately, it felt like all the information it provided was rather common knowledge.
The Power of Nice felt more like an ad for the company - “Apply for a job with us! We get along well! Hire us! We’re nice to people!" The book also felt weirdly obsessed with Jay Leno. He wrote the intro, he was used as an example in almost every chapter of the book, and his name is in big black letters on the front.
A lot of advice in this book seemed to mirror that in Lean In, but Lean In is a far superior book. Altogether, I wouldn’t really recommend this to much of anyone, but if you choose to read it, try a free copy from the library first!
This was a super short book that shared some pretty basic principles:
If you’re nice to everyone, eventually this niceness will pay off and great opportunities will become available to you.
Listen before speaking.
Empathy is the key to success.
Say yes to every opportunity.
With plenty of real-life examples of when kindness has paid off for people, little exercises at the end of each chapter to help you become a better person, and a wealth of good advice, the book contains a lot of information for its 144 pages, but unfortunately, it felt like all the information it provided was rather common knowledge.
The Power of Nice felt more like an ad for the company - “Apply for a job with us! We get along well! Hire us! We’re nice to people!" The book also felt weirdly obsessed with Jay Leno. He wrote the intro, he was used as an example in almost every chapter of the book, and his name is in big black letters on the front.
A lot of advice in this book seemed to mirror that in Lean In, but Lean In is a far superior book. Altogether, I wouldn’t really recommend this to much of anyone, but if you choose to read it, try a free copy from the library first!
January 21, 2016
Cảm ơn vì đã nhắc tôi phải thảo mai nhiều hơn.
October 2, 2023
More like a 2.5.
It's a book filled with good advice if you struggle to be a nice/good person. If you struggle with being nice, communicating effectively, being thoughtful, reaching out, or being empathetic, this book is for you.
For the rest of us, this felt a lot like common sense.
It's a book filled with good advice if you struggle to be a nice/good person. If you struggle with being nice, communicating effectively, being thoughtful, reaching out, or being empathetic, this book is for you.
For the rest of us, this felt a lot like common sense.
December 9, 2021
Did you see that this book is blurbed by Donald Trump? Huh, that's funny. So funny that I couldn't help picking it up. I was trying to figure out where I first heard about it and I think it was mentioned in 'Tribe of Mentors' by Timothy Ferriss, looks like I've added it to my to-read while I was going through that book. In a way, it's quite predictable because they have a similar style.
I'm very surprised that there is a whole book about reasons to be nice. Sure, a small 120 pages but still. It's too common sense, too obvious. I was hoping to find out something new, something engaging, an angle I hadn't thought about, but no, have empathy, small acts of kindness, stuff you know. There are some cute anecdotes for each of these tips but that's really all there is too it - it's a cute book, not one of substance.
No wonder Trump read it.
I'm very surprised that there is a whole book about reasons to be nice. Sure, a small 120 pages but still. It's too common sense, too obvious. I was hoping to find out something new, something engaging, an angle I hadn't thought about, but no, have empathy, small acts of kindness, stuff you know. There are some cute anecdotes for each of these tips but that's really all there is too it - it's a cute book, not one of substance.
No wonder Trump read it.
January 23, 2012
This book is old wine in new bags. Nothing new here, all existing (and often good) advice, looked at from a "nice" angle.
The only reason to read this book is to learn that you can be succesful without being an aggressive alpha-male person. But seriousl, you don't need a book for that, here's my advice instead:
"You can be successful on your own terms, if you choose to. And if that includes being nice, fine. If not, also fine. Now stop reading books and go f€@kin' do it!"
As you can see, my terms include some swearing now and then. You should try it sometimes. Very refreshing.
The only reason to read this book is to learn that you can be succesful without being an aggressive alpha-male person. But seriousl, you don't need a book for that, here's my advice instead:
"You can be successful on your own terms, if you choose to. And if that includes being nice, fine. If not, also fine. Now stop reading books and go f€@kin' do it!"
As you can see, my terms include some swearing now and then. You should try it sometimes. Very refreshing.
January 23, 2023
Good read - simple. The main point was be nice and win people over so simple idea. However some of the stories were worth the read.
January 30, 2019
This book offers a lot of insight on how being nice will take you far in business, but it has some application for just life in general. We as an America society tend to equate nice with weak and this book is out to change that perception. Each chapter, but the last, has one or two “nice cubes” which give the reader practical ways to try and apply the principles discussed in the chapter. It’s a great book with simple, and rather obvious, truths about being nice; but sometimes even the most obvious things only become clear when you hear someone else say them. Overall a hood book for anyone who wants to prove wrong the old adage of, “nice guys finish last.”
Read
November 29, 2017This book begins by saying that nice is one of the most powerful four-letter words out there. Linda Kaplan Thaler proves this statement several times over in this potent but quick read. She addresses her business experiences and how it always pays to be nice. This book provides more than enough evidence for all the skeptics who believe that being nice is not a smart idea in business. Business is seen as a dog eat dog world and people who are nice are seen as naive. However, this is not the case as the author recounts her experiences with rude bosses who she was able to change with her kindness. This book is written in a casual, almost conversational tone that allows the reader to understand the main points and strategies that the author shares. For example, she says that one of the best approaches to understanding someone is by asking them about themselves. This technique has proved to be true as individuals love sharing about themselves as long as the friend seems genuinely interested. There are several techniques scattered throughout this book that can help anyone in his or her personal and professional lives, regardless of whether that individual is in business or not.
Read
August 9, 2018Recommended by my boss and i have no regret on spending time on it. Ordering a new one to keep it in my bookself <3
January 25, 2022
Hãy tử tế khi có thể
June 28, 2017
The Power of Nice is a great reminder of why and how being nice in every interaction will benefit you in the long run. The reinforce that being nice doesn't mean being a push-over, just making sure the situation is handled in the best and nicest way possible. It's a quick, easy read with great points.
April 19, 2008
This book simply, succinctly, yet compellingly, lays out the considerable force that generosity of spirit, authentic listening, and a deep and abiding will to serve brings to organizations. This is the unadorned and straight-talking truth about creating wholesome environments in which strong professional communities are best able to thrive. It presents an effective antidote for the convoluted and tortured logic of unbridled aggressiveness, fierce competitiveness, and negative critique that have come to be accepted by too many as the proper qualities of leadership. The book serves as a reminder to leaders in all sectors of the economy to keep in mind the first great task of leadership in challenging times: To avoid loss of heart and excite the will to work together in coherent and robust teams dedicated to creating the future.
The capacity to inspire and motivate is a considerable differentiator when comparing good vs truly great and transformational leaders. The book is a deceptively easy and short read, perhaps easily overlooked as possibly "obvious" or "too soft" in a world of hard and difficult. That response, though, is most likely to come from the strident voices of cynics and what seems so obvious is, notwithstanding those sentiments, that the power of "nice" is a skill-set in critically short supply.
I find that the book really grows on you as a reminder of the true leader's prime directive: To cause the genius resident within an organization to fully express itself along with the shared passion, mutual support and collaboration that really makes things happen in high powered and sustainable ways. Enjoy it.
The capacity to inspire and motivate is a considerable differentiator when comparing good vs truly great and transformational leaders. The book is a deceptively easy and short read, perhaps easily overlooked as possibly "obvious" or "too soft" in a world of hard and difficult. That response, though, is most likely to come from the strident voices of cynics and what seems so obvious is, notwithstanding those sentiments, that the power of "nice" is a skill-set in critically short supply.
I find that the book really grows on you as a reminder of the true leader's prime directive: To cause the genius resident within an organization to fully express itself along with the shared passion, mutual support and collaboration that really makes things happen in high powered and sustainable ways. Enjoy it.
November 23, 2014
Though the principle is simple, and perhaps even common sense, The Power of Nice illustrates the importance of being kind. Written by two business women in the Manhattan advertising world (the woman who wrote the Toys R Us theme song, and the firm that created the Afflack duck commercials) the emphasis is on the kind of business and capital their own firm is based on. These executives researched countless of examples, across industries and lifestyles, in order to find personable, relatable anecdotes of how a simple (and often random) act of kindness set of a chain of life-changing events. The book is a general response to the notion that business is cut-throat, that social Darwinism runs rampant in the linear path of success. The stories within the book are touching, and cover all phases and walks of life. The book, like the principles its based on, is inclusive and allows anyone the power to practice kindness and empathy throughout the work-life balance.
July 21, 2017
There are some good ideas and tips here, but unfortunately the book also succumbs to the simplistic analysis and cheap anecdotes that plague so many "pop business" books. Still worth a read, though, since most people could stand to be a little nicer and the book is generally useful, if not great. Also, for the love of God, please stop citing Malcolm Gladwell instead of the actual studies.
July 28, 2015
Simple, easily applied advice. It does pay to be nice!
June 16, 2024
Explores the transformative impact of kindness in the business world. Emphasises the importance of treating every person we encounter as the most important individual in the world, fostering collaboration, empowering others, and embracing both strengths and weaknesses. Here are my key takeaways from this book that aims to reveal how kindness can lead to success.
Treat Everyone as Important: treat everyone we meet with respect and kindness. By recognizing the value of each individual, we create a positive and supportive environment that nurtures relationships and fosters success.
Embrace Collaboration: Instead of being solely focused on personal gain, embrace collaboration and teamwork. Building relationships and working together not only leads to remarkable achievements but also cultivates a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Empower Others: Empowering others is a powerful way to not only solve immediate problems but also equip individuals to tackle future challenges. By allowing people to discover solutions on their own, we enable them to develop problem-solving skills and foster long-term success.
Embrace Strengths and Weaknesses: The importance of embracing both our strengths and weaknesses. Our weaknesses often complement our strengths, and acknowledging and understanding them allows us to excel even further. By recognizing our limitations, we can seek support and build well-rounded teams.
Release the Need for Validation: In a society that often seeks external validation, remember to let go of the constant need for applause. Instead, we should focus on our own goals and aspirations without being distracted by others’ opinions. By staying true to ourselves, we can channel our energy more effectively.
Be a Supporting Actor: The book encourages us to view ourselves as supporting actors in other people’s stories. By being considerate, supportive, and empathetic, we create stronger connections and foster positive relationships. Taking the time to understand our roles in different relationships allows us to enhance our characters and contribute positively to others’ lives.
Harness the Power of Optimism: Optimism is a key ingredient for success. Research by psychologist Martin Seligman demonstrates that optimists outperform pessimists. By adopting an optimistic mindset, we can bounce back from rejection, focus on growth, and seize new opportunities.
Embrace Inclusion: Inclusion and diversity are essential for progress. By embracing different perspectives and welcoming everyone, we open doors to innovative ideas, collaborations, and greater achievements. Creating an inclusive environment allows us to tap into the full potential of our teams and organizations.
Resolve Conflicts with Kindness: Conflict is inevitable, but there’s always a kinder way to handle it. By assuming goodwill, seeking understanding, and responding with empathy, we can resolve conflicts effectively and build stronger relationships.
Kindness can have a profound impact in the business world. By treating others with respect, embracing collaboration, empowering individuals, and fostering inclusivity, we can create a more harmonious and successful work environment. So, let’s make kindness a priority and witness the transformative power it holds in our professional lives.
Video summary: https://youtu.be/v7O4Qty5G4g
Treat Everyone as Important: treat everyone we meet with respect and kindness. By recognizing the value of each individual, we create a positive and supportive environment that nurtures relationships and fosters success.
Embrace Collaboration: Instead of being solely focused on personal gain, embrace collaboration and teamwork. Building relationships and working together not only leads to remarkable achievements but also cultivates a sense of unity and shared purpose.
Empower Others: Empowering others is a powerful way to not only solve immediate problems but also equip individuals to tackle future challenges. By allowing people to discover solutions on their own, we enable them to develop problem-solving skills and foster long-term success.
Embrace Strengths and Weaknesses: The importance of embracing both our strengths and weaknesses. Our weaknesses often complement our strengths, and acknowledging and understanding them allows us to excel even further. By recognizing our limitations, we can seek support and build well-rounded teams.
Release the Need for Validation: In a society that often seeks external validation, remember to let go of the constant need for applause. Instead, we should focus on our own goals and aspirations without being distracted by others’ opinions. By staying true to ourselves, we can channel our energy more effectively.
Be a Supporting Actor: The book encourages us to view ourselves as supporting actors in other people’s stories. By being considerate, supportive, and empathetic, we create stronger connections and foster positive relationships. Taking the time to understand our roles in different relationships allows us to enhance our characters and contribute positively to others’ lives.
Harness the Power of Optimism: Optimism is a key ingredient for success. Research by psychologist Martin Seligman demonstrates that optimists outperform pessimists. By adopting an optimistic mindset, we can bounce back from rejection, focus on growth, and seize new opportunities.
Embrace Inclusion: Inclusion and diversity are essential for progress. By embracing different perspectives and welcoming everyone, we open doors to innovative ideas, collaborations, and greater achievements. Creating an inclusive environment allows us to tap into the full potential of our teams and organizations.
Resolve Conflicts with Kindness: Conflict is inevitable, but there’s always a kinder way to handle it. By assuming goodwill, seeking understanding, and responding with empathy, we can resolve conflicts effectively and build stronger relationships.
Kindness can have a profound impact in the business world. By treating others with respect, embracing collaboration, empowering individuals, and fostering inclusivity, we can create a more harmonious and successful work environment. So, let’s make kindness a priority and witness the transformative power it holds in our professional lives.
Video summary: https://youtu.be/v7O4Qty5G4g
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 5, 2018
Business books are really not my thing. I spend enough time working, I don't want to be thinking about business issues in my free time! The only reason I bothered with it is it was one of a handful of books I got for free at a conference and it was in my bag when I finished my last novel.
The concept of this book is to debunk the "good guys finish last" mentality. That rather than being detrimental, it pays to be nice. It lists some principles of being nice and illustrates why you should try to embody that principle with an anecdote or two.
I will say that I wasn't reading this book looking for life lessons. I've spent enough time in the business world to know that there are some people that should be forced to read a book like this. Honestly though, I found most of the principles outlined in this book to be common sense! I enjoyed the anecdotes but, for me, that's all they were. I'm lucky to work in an industry that's not exactly cut-throat but if I was in an industry like that and I was reading this book for reassurance that being nice wouldn't be a hindrance, I don't think I'd be convinced. I found it a bit simplistic, it deals with good or bad people but nothing in-between. I also find to difficult to believe that people are not familiar with the core concept of this book. They know taking the "nice" option is a possibility, they just don't see the benefit in doing that for them. I'm not sure this book can change that.
I'm not saying that this book is useless. I know it's a top seller. It's also well written and engaging and it's great to hear from successful businesswomen. Maybe it's just a case of not being in the correct target market. I already judge people on how well they treat their inferiors, not their peers. I think this book is targeted wrong to be honest. It would be an interesting read for young teenagers (dare I say particularly girls?) but I feel it's a bit light to really be considered as a business book.
The concept of this book is to debunk the "good guys finish last" mentality. That rather than being detrimental, it pays to be nice. It lists some principles of being nice and illustrates why you should try to embody that principle with an anecdote or two.
I will say that I wasn't reading this book looking for life lessons. I've spent enough time in the business world to know that there are some people that should be forced to read a book like this. Honestly though, I found most of the principles outlined in this book to be common sense! I enjoyed the anecdotes but, for me, that's all they were. I'm lucky to work in an industry that's not exactly cut-throat but if I was in an industry like that and I was reading this book for reassurance that being nice wouldn't be a hindrance, I don't think I'd be convinced. I found it a bit simplistic, it deals with good or bad people but nothing in-between. I also find to difficult to believe that people are not familiar with the core concept of this book. They know taking the "nice" option is a possibility, they just don't see the benefit in doing that for them. I'm not sure this book can change that.
I'm not saying that this book is useless. I know it's a top seller. It's also well written and engaging and it's great to hear from successful businesswomen. Maybe it's just a case of not being in the correct target market. I already judge people on how well they treat their inferiors, not their peers. I think this book is targeted wrong to be honest. It would be an interesting read for young teenagers (dare I say particularly girls?) but I feel it's a bit light to really be considered as a business book.
July 30, 2017
It's been too long since I've begun and finished a book in one day; oh, how I've missed this. And with The Power of Nice, Linda Kaplan Thaler brought this pleasure back to my life and warmed my soul with both the pleasure of this experience (and) through the pleasure of this book.
I wish that each of us have a chance to be surrounded by the community the author and their network have formed. The maturity of management approaches and mindsets they convey and deliver to their teams is sorely missing in our Darwinian climate. Indeed, the Survivor's game popularized further by Reality television has thrust us further into a toxic cocktail of verbal, behavioral, and subtle abuse where such trickery is applauded and rewarded by followers and fame.
Alas, the idea that the Nice finish last; I never believed that idea. Rather, Nice may not outshine its contenders but Nice does win the race. Hey, didn't the tortoise?
TPoN reminded me to stay true to who I am and not what our climate made me become; to return to these roots and, no matter what, irrespective any wish or desire for reciprocation, to continue along this course as did the tortoise.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Finishing it leaves me missing its tribe so I'll read their novel Bang as I look for others, similar to this one.
I wish that each of us have a chance to be surrounded by the community the author and their network have formed. The maturity of management approaches and mindsets they convey and deliver to their teams is sorely missing in our Darwinian climate. Indeed, the Survivor's game popularized further by Reality television has thrust us further into a toxic cocktail of verbal, behavioral, and subtle abuse where such trickery is applauded and rewarded by followers and fame.
Alas, the idea that the Nice finish last; I never believed that idea. Rather, Nice may not outshine its contenders but Nice does win the race. Hey, didn't the tortoise?
TPoN reminded me to stay true to who I am and not what our climate made me become; to return to these roots and, no matter what, irrespective any wish or desire for reciprocation, to continue along this course as did the tortoise.
I wholeheartedly recommend this book. Finishing it leaves me missing its tribe so I'll read their novel Bang as I look for others, similar to this one.
October 28, 2018
I read this book for a group assignment. Before I started the book, my initial reaction was skepticism, given our current national past time of not being nice about anything. But I read the book and changed my mind. We need this book and books like now more than ever.
The authors are running n a successful advertising agency (or were running a successful ad agency when they wrote this book in 2006. I'm not sure of their status currently). In their book, Linda Thaler and Robin Koval present helpful suggestions on how to approach difficult situations by taking the high road following six principles: spread the wealth (share what you have, share the credit), sweeten the deal (go the extra mile), tell the truth, say yes, help your enemies, and be empathetic. It may sound like principles are obvious, but I don't think they are. In fact, the authors actually admit that these principles are not easy to accomplish. But they offer real life examples of how the principles have worked for them and they provide helpful exercises at the end of each chapter for readers to try on their own.
I would recommend this book to anyone who feels they are on the losing end of a difficult relationship. I would also recommend this book to everyone in the government.
The authors are running n a successful advertising agency (or were running a successful ad agency when they wrote this book in 2006. I'm not sure of their status currently). In their book, Linda Thaler and Robin Koval present helpful suggestions on how to approach difficult situations by taking the high road following six principles: spread the wealth (share what you have, share the credit), sweeten the deal (go the extra mile), tell the truth, say yes, help your enemies, and be empathetic. It may sound like principles are obvious, but I don't think they are. In fact, the authors actually admit that these principles are not easy to accomplish. But they offer real life examples of how the principles have worked for them and they provide helpful exercises at the end of each chapter for readers to try on their own.
I would recommend this book to anyone who feels they are on the losing end of a difficult relationship. I would also recommend this book to everyone in the government.
February 7, 2023
Đây là quyển sách đầu tiên của năm 2023 mà mình đọc nên mình chọn một quyển sách nhẹ nhàng và ngắn. Chỉ với khoảng 2 tiếng tập trung mình đã đọc hết được quyển sách. Mình thích cách tác giả đưa những ví dụ để minh họa cho ý tưởng. Các nhân vật được lấy cảm hứng vô cùng đa dạng, từ những chính trị gia nổi tiếng như Washington, Lincon, Trump hay những nhân vật dung dị tác giả gặp hàng ngày.
Từ đó để xoay quanh đề tài hãy sống tử tế mà phải là tử tế chân thật, không giả tạo vì chúng ta không biết sau này sẽ có gì xảy ra. Khi t��� tế mình không phải lo lắng liệu người đối diện có hãm hại, chơi xấu mình sau này không vì mình biết đó là điều mình muốn làm, còn việc chơi xấu là việc của họ. Ai cũng có lúc này lúc khác. Mà để tử tế thì phải rèn luyện sự kiên nhẫn, biết lắng nghe và thấu hiểu đối phương. Hãy tìm ra sự tươi sáng, lạc quan dù mình không thích người đó hay công việc đó. Đây không phải là việc làm được trong một ngày mà cần một quá trình rèn luyện và nuôi dưỡng trái tim tử tế.
Thiệt sự biết ơn vì quyển sách này đến đúng lúc để mình sống chậm lại một chút, để xem mình có thể làm gì tốt hơn cho một năm 2023 trọn vẹn.
Từ đó để xoay quanh đề tài hãy sống tử tế mà phải là tử tế chân thật, không giả tạo vì chúng ta không biết sau này sẽ có gì xảy ra. Khi t��� tế mình không phải lo lắng liệu người đối diện có hãm hại, chơi xấu mình sau này không vì mình biết đó là điều mình muốn làm, còn việc chơi xấu là việc của họ. Ai cũng có lúc này lúc khác. Mà để tử tế thì phải rèn luyện sự kiên nhẫn, biết lắng nghe và thấu hiểu đối phương. Hãy tìm ra sự tươi sáng, lạc quan dù mình không thích người đó hay công việc đó. Đây không phải là việc làm được trong một ngày mà cần một quá trình rèn luyện và nuôi dưỡng trái tim tử tế.
Thiệt sự biết ơn vì quyển sách này đến đúng lúc để mình sống chậm lại một chút, để xem mình có thể làm gì tốt hơn cho một năm 2023 trọn vẹn.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 23, 2019
This little book is full of ideas that will turn your opinions and beliefs for achieving success upside down! I'm always up for challenging what I think I know with the good shake and rattle other perspectives can provide.
The authors explain ways to implement the suggestions, not just anecdotes. I always appreciate that and I've chosen a few to try.
And if you're still unsure about reading the book, consider this - the author wrote the Toys R Us jingle that your childhood memory just queued up in your brain. She may not have done so had a teacher not used one of the "power of nice" principles encouraged in the book decades later. Let that sink in!
These authors are speaking from a platform of experience which they achieved by being genuinely nice to others, regardless of what they could gain professionally. I think that's very inspiring and it makes me feel quite hopeful for all of us humans :)
The authors explain ways to implement the suggestions, not just anecdotes. I always appreciate that and I've chosen a few to try.
And if you're still unsure about reading the book, consider this - the author wrote the Toys R Us jingle that your childhood memory just queued up in your brain. She may not have done so had a teacher not used one of the "power of nice" principles encouraged in the book decades later. Let that sink in!
These authors are speaking from a platform of experience which they achieved by being genuinely nice to others, regardless of what they could gain professionally. I think that's very inspiring and it makes me feel quite hopeful for all of us humans :)
October 1, 2017
Một cuốn sách về sự tử tế, với lời đề tặng từ Donald Trump, đại diện đối lập của mọi sự tự tế mà tôi biết đến.
Cuốn sách nhìn chung tạm được, và người đọc sẽ khó tìm được cảm giác bị rung động bởi sự tử tế được viết trong cuốn sách này. Không có những câu chuyện khiến con người ta suy ngẫm, dằn vặt, không có cái cảm giác toàn thân tê liệt tới từng tế bào xúc cảm mà đáng lẽ phải có khi bạn cầm cuốn sách lên và đọc tựa đề của nó.
Nhưng dù gì, tôi vẫn khuyên bạn nên đọc. Đọc để thấy tầm quan trọng của việc "đi thử đôi giày của người khác", để biết cảm thông, và biết đặt mình "làm diễn viên phụ" trong cuộc đời của mọi người.
Cuốn sách vẫn còn chứa các lỗi nhỏ về chính tả và hành văn nhiều chỗ vẫn chưa đủ mạch lạc. Đọc bản gốc tiếng Anh có lẽ sẽ trôi chảy hơn.
Cuốn sách nhìn chung tạm được, và người đọc sẽ khó tìm được cảm giác bị rung động bởi sự tử tế được viết trong cuốn sách này. Không có những câu chuyện khiến con người ta suy ngẫm, dằn vặt, không có cái cảm giác toàn thân tê liệt tới từng tế bào xúc cảm mà đáng lẽ phải có khi bạn cầm cuốn sách lên và đọc tựa đề của nó.
Nhưng dù gì, tôi vẫn khuyên bạn nên đọc. Đọc để thấy tầm quan trọng của việc "đi thử đôi giày của người khác", để biết cảm thông, và biết đặt mình "làm diễn viên phụ" trong cuộc đời của mọi người.
Cuốn sách vẫn còn chứa các lỗi nhỏ về chính tả và hành văn nhiều chỗ vẫn chưa đủ mạch lạc. Đọc bản gốc tiếng Anh có lẽ sẽ trôi chảy hơn.
November 3, 2020
So, you have the book titled "the power of nice" and you have a quote by Donald Trump on the back of the book. Huh?
Do I need to explain?
Like most other self help books, this one speaks about redundant stuff repetitively and because it's written by people who have alre found success, it is supposed to be profound.
Tbh, it you're not an absolute cut throat asshole whose primary reaction to anyone is being rude, you don't need this book. And if you ARE such a person and want to change your ways, go see a therapist, you'll feel much better and oh yeah, you don't need this book.
Basically, this book is unnecessary. However, if you did get some help/affirmation from this book, good for you.
Do I need to explain?
Like most other self help books, this one speaks about redundant stuff repetitively and because it's written by people who have alre found success, it is supposed to be profound.
Tbh, it you're not an absolute cut throat asshole whose primary reaction to anyone is being rude, you don't need this book. And if you ARE such a person and want to change your ways, go see a therapist, you'll feel much better and oh yeah, you don't need this book.
Basically, this book is unnecessary. However, if you did get some help/affirmation from this book, good for you.
April 12, 2025
để ý đến từng hành động của đối thủ chẳng giúp ích được cho ta gì cả chỉ tổn hao phí năng lượng sao ta không dành năng lượng đó để tập trung vô cái mình muốn làm học để giỏi hơn. Tôi đã từng như vậy nhờ đọc về cuốn sách giúp cá nhân mình biết việc so sánh cũng chả có ích lợi gì ngoài cái thêm áp lực thay vì đó hay lấy nó làm bàn đạp và có thể hợp tác biết đâu tạo ra thành quả to hơn ai cũng được hưởng lợi
đồng thời tác giả cho ta biết 1 vấn đề luôn có 2 mặt của đồng xu trong nguy ắt có cơ và ngược lại đừng quá bi quan về điều tồi tệ đã xảy ra hay lạc quan thái quá về thì mình đang có mà
lắng nghe cộng đồng cảm với câu chuyện là thứ ai cùng cần từ người khác trong xã hội ai cũng nói lên cái tôi của mình thì biết lắng nghe là 1 lợi thế khôn cùng để mọi người xung quanh luôn muốn ở bên bạn
đồng thời tác giả cho ta biết 1 vấn đề luôn có 2 mặt của đồng xu trong nguy ắt có cơ và ngược lại đừng quá bi quan về điều tồi tệ đã xảy ra hay lạc quan thái quá về thì mình đang có mà
lắng nghe cộng đồng cảm với câu chuyện là thứ ai cùng cần từ người khác trong xã hội ai cũng nói lên cái tôi của mình thì biết lắng nghe là 1 lợi thế khôn cùng để mọi người xung quanh luôn muốn ở bên bạn
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2017
quick, not too repetitive, & very well thought out / intentioned. i believe in being nice i.e. honey gets you farther than a sting. & i live by that idea. & i think there is a place for that idea in business. these authors agree & express the rationale well, & in ways i think that apply to how you inhabit your non-business world as well in business. especially enjoyed their little end cube activities to the chapters. it's not groundbreaking or anything but i think if more people took this idea to heart the world would be better off. so i very much recommend if for no other reason than to make you consider how being nice can mean more than you might think - & come back to you.
November 22, 2017
I have never doubted the power of nice, and have seen it even create returns (though it was never the reason to be nice in the first place!), so reading this book was like preaching to the choir. Of course, the book is a nice little book that does a nice job of why to be nice, and what does it take to be nice.
In today's selfish and highly cutthroat world, many people might laugh at someone nice and even misuse one's niceness, but I think real values only those that are exercised steadfastly in the face of adversities. So, there can't be a better reason to be nice. And this book is a good starting point for someone looking for some pointers on just that...
In today's selfish and highly cutthroat world, many people might laugh at someone nice and even misuse one's niceness, but I think real values only those that are exercised steadfastly in the face of adversities. So, there can't be a better reason to be nice. And this book is a good starting point for someone looking for some pointers on just that...
August 19, 2022
I read this book a long, long time ago for business. I grabbed it off my bookshelf today to send to someone just starting out in their business career and decided to flip through the pages again. I soon settled down for a complete re-read - and it was just what I needed. Even more so than when this book was first published, we need more “nice” in the world. This book is uplifting to the spirit but also comes with real-world business advice. It’s a well needed reminder to “be a best supporting actor/actress in someone else’s movie”. Even better advice than putting yourself in someone else’s shoes.
It’s a quick, helpful read for personal and business etiquette. Also, it’s NICE!
It’s a quick, helpful read for personal and business etiquette. Also, it’s NICE!
August 7, 2022
The Power of Nice is the best self help book I have ever read. Compared to other motivational books I’ve read in the past, this book does a fantastic job at creating clear and concise themes partnered with relatable and inspiring real world examples. Usually books like this can be redundant and repetitive however this one caught my interest the entire time and I was able to take something away from each page I read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a quick read about simple ways to improve interactions with others and make little changes for the betterment of your life.
January 5, 2025
I appreciate that this book was short, and I don't know that I can say that it's poorly written or anything like that. I think my dislike of the book, low rating, and reason that I would not recommend this to anyone are due to the fact that I don't really see any substance here. My immediate reaction after finishing is that it boils down to a book length recitation of your parents telling you, "Be nice." That's it. I didn't take away much else.
I apologize to the authors if I missed something. At the moment though, I just don't see any value in this book.
I apologize to the authors if I missed something. At the moment though, I just don't see any value in this book.
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