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Books Has nice become the new mean? Two of the most successful women in advertising, Linda Kaplan Thaler and Robin Kovel, flip the age-old mantra "nice guys finish last" on its head. In a remarkable new book, they build a convincing case that this old belief is a lie - a lie that not only undermines success in business but distracts from almost every aspect of life. Not only do nice guys and girls finish first, they wind up leading happier lives as well. When Thaler and Koval started their advertising agency in 1997, they shared a simple quality they knew would give them an edge on the competition. Both were nice, pleasant people and went out of their way to treat others well. After a decade of practicing what they preached, their agency had become one of the fastestgrowing in the country with more than $1 billion in billings.] They did this by following several principles. For example, they thought of positive impressions - a laugh, a smile - as seeds. Once planted, they flourish and grow. They also went out of their way to treat everyone as if he or she was the most important person in the world, and they never forget the potential power of the intern, assistant or receptionist. According to the authors, "nice" must be automatic and not something that can be "turned on" when it is beneficial. Negative impressions are like germs that silently infect everyone and should be avoided. In "The Power of Nice," Thaler and Kovel make a persuasive argument that no one is the enemy, everyone needs to be heard and putting yourself in other's shoes not only enlightens and inspires, but might help put you on top. Books reviewed in this column are available online or at your local bookstore. (c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc. |
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