For whatever reason, being nice has gotten a bad reputation in the business world. Many view nice people as weak and not respectable, while others think they're fake and untrustworthy. Conversely, being likable is seen as a good thing, even by those who openly admit that likability is something that can be taught. Whether someone comes across as being likable or nice to his coworkers and clients can actually have an effect on his ability to do his job.
"People who are successful at work are not nice, but they are absolutely likable," said Debra Yergen, author of Creating Job Security Resource Guide. "Likable people are professional, reliable and dependable. When someone has a reputation for being nice, rather than likable, colleagues may create unnecessary and sometimes unprofessional expectations of the person based on the fact that he is nice. Having solid boundaries alleviates inappropriate expectations, and actually sets up an entire department to function properly."
Continue reading "Will You Be More Successful If You're Likable or Nice?"
Posted by Candice Arnold on November 4, 2009 at 7:57 AM | Leave a Comment (0)
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My boyfriend and I each got an internship with the same company, and they offered him a job right after graduation. When I applied for a job there, I was told that I wasn't a "good fit." Although I found a job with a reputable, stable company, I'm not happy. I really enjoyed the work I did during my internship, I liked the environment and got along well - I thought - with my fellow interns (not my boyfriend; he worked in a completely different part of the building) and the regular employees. How can I discover what I need to do to be considered a "good fit" for this company ... study my boyfriend? Or should I just let it go and try find a way to be happy where I am?
Posted by Candice Arnold on October 27, 2009 at 8:27 AM | Leave a Comment (2)
