Being too nice is harmful and can perpetuate a toxic workplace culture.
We all like to be nice. It makes us feel good to help others, to be kind and to put a smile on someone’s face. But being too nice, especially in the workplace, can be harmful. It can perpetuate a toxic workplace culture, and it can be a sign that your boundaries are not being respected.
It’s important to remember that being kind and considerate to others is one thing, but enabling bad behaviour is another.
It can be difficult to know when you’ve crossed the line from being nice to being too nice. If you find yourself consistently putting other people's needs before your own, or feeling like you can’t say no to requests, it’s time to take a step back and assess the situation.
It’s important to remember that kindness is powerful. But when it comes to the workplace, it’s important to practice kindness in an appropriate way.
You can still be kind and respectful while setting boundaries, and you should never allow people to take advantage of your good nature.
If you’re feeling like you’re being too nice in the workplace, it’s time to make a change. Start by setting boundaries and communicating them clearly. Be proactive in making sure people understand your limits and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.
The key to changing this toxic workplace culture is to be kind, but firm. Being too nice can actually be a sign of weakness, while being kind but assertive can be incredibly powerful. It's important to be open and honest with your colleagues, and to let them know when something isn't acceptable.
Being nice to someone who is treating you disrespectfully is harmful and can perpetuate that toxic behaviour of your colleague or boss. You are nice because you don’t want conflict. You are even nice to your rude boss or manager out of fear of not being a good person. At that moment, you are operating from a place of weakness indeed. Being nice, smiling out of fear to someone who is treating you disrespectfully is powerless. You are nice because you fear losing your job and resentment starts piling up inside you even when you stay nice on the outside.
Kindness is very different. Kindness is a choice. When you are kind to a rude person, you know that the rudeness of the other person has nothing to do with you. You speak your truth in a kind way, if the other person chooses to be offended and angry, then that is their choice. In shifting from niceness to kindness, you can start by setting boundaries and communicating them clearly, and don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself.
Kindness is powerful and can be a hugely effective tool in the workplace. It can be used to create a positive and productive workplace culture, where everyone feels respected and valued.
For those in leadership positions, kindness can also be a powerful tool for motivating others and building a strong team culture.
It's important to remember that being too nice is not the same as being kind. Too often, people mistake being too nice for kindness, when in fact it can be incredibly damaging. Kindness is powerful and should be used to promote a positive and productive workplace culture.
Wishing you a day where you choose powerful kindness!
Much love, Barbara
