"Mean is so last Millennium"

I am such a fan of the Dixie Chicks and especially their song “I’m Not Ready to Make Nice”. Guess that tells you which side of the fence I’m on. I make no bones about it. To say I’m not a fan of George W. Bush is to put it extremely light. But that’s not the subject of this blog.

While watching the Today Show this morning, I saw Linda Kaplan Thaler, author. She has a new book out titled “Power of Nice”. I could not agree with her theory more. I have always believed nice works better than mean. However, it still amazes me how many people just can’t seem to grasp this concept. I want to be the last person to stereotype, but it appears to me that the groups who have the most trouble with being nice are those in power or the “wanna bees”.

This is so obvious in the work place. There are environments where the employees are appreciated and it is shown in everyday niceties. It is amazing how dedicated these employees are. It’s got nothing to do with pay and benefits. It’s all about being treated nicely. Conversely and unfortunately there’s the other side. An atmosphere where no one is appreciated and are literally treated like they are a necessary evil. The employees work there for one of two reasons only—the pay and/or benefits. They live for Fridays and dread to see Monday morning come again. It is a crying shame, with all the managerial knowledge available; people are still treated in this fashion. Why can’t they understand “mean is so last millennium”!!!!!

Peace and Love

(and today and every day NICE)