Stop Being Nice at Work

Do this instead: lead with kindness. 

“Nice” often means avoiding discomfort, smoothing things over, or saying what people want to hear.

“Kindness” means caring enough to be honest, direct, and constructive even when it’s uncomfortable.

Here's the difference: 

• Nice: “Your presentation was great!” (even though it wasn’t).

• Kind: “You’ve got good material here. If you cut half the slides, your main point will really shine. Want me to help you tighten it?”

• Nice: Staying quiet when someone interrupts.

• Kind: “I value your input. Can you give others a chance to finish before jumping in?”

• Nice: Saying “yes” to everything.

• Kind: “I can’t take this on right now if we want it done well. Let’s look at priorities.”

Kindness is honest, direct, and rooted in respect. Niceness keeps the peace, but kindness builds trust.

👉 Next time you’re tempted to “be nice,” ask: what’s the kind thing to do here?