The simple art of being nice
It's amazing how people underestimate this skills which is so essential in our modern world
Yes, I am talking about just being a nice, kind and genuin person and that this will uplift others as well.
The reason I started to think of think of this, was a conversation with my boss the other day. He was telling me about the man he took over the position from. The former guy was a very strict boss, who seemed to try to get his recognition by creating an anxiety culture around him. That would give him so much respect from the others, because they never knew what kind of hat he would be wearing.
Meaning, he could explode for no particular reason at all.
My boss told he he hated this way of thinking, and he had told himself that he never wanted to be this kind of person. If he would ever get in this position he would take a totally different tactic.
And so he did. From this short time that I met him, he has been an open, approachable and helpful person and this actually makes me try to work harder. Because I don't want to disappoint somebody who is also willing to put so much effort in me as well.
And that last sentence is key I believe
Pexels
And it starts with simple common sense I have learned. Because in Sint Martin (and I believe everywhere throughout the Caribbean) just simply greeting wherever you come in is seen as general policy. At my former work it would be normal to personally greet everybody in the morning, when the day would start. Not just walking in and shout a general 'Goodmorning' but actually take some time for this.
In the beginning I was not really used to this and some people would title me as arrogant, but the reality is...I just didnt know this was general courtesy at this place. At not only at work, but also walking into shops, in government buildings, and everywhere else as well. If you forget to properly greet someone, this will work against you.
And actually...I like it
There is nothing wrong with actively acknowledging that somebody walks in or to let somebody know that he/she is being seen. But not every society is used to this.
I remember being on vacation in Holland once and actively greeting they girl restocking the racks in a grocery shop. She looked guilty at me like 'damn, should I know her? She is so actively greeting me and I have no idea who she is'
That made realize that I had changed and I was living to different standards in terms of considering of what I found normal. Something I do not regret for a second.
Because now it is being appreciated
In my new job now one of the best compliments I have repeatedly received is that I am so approachable. Because I always greet everybody so extensively and that they find me an open personality. I really find this a big compliment but it also makes you wonder what other people consider as normal then?
What are their standards in being nice then?
But remember...This is not judging somebody on how the actually preform in their working field, this is just if people find you a pleasant person or not. Saying hello, listen proper to what people are telling you, ask meaningfull questions, give compliments. No rocket science, just general courtesy.
And you also see this on our online platform here as well
Because not everything is bought with money or being a whale. It is if people find you a person they WANT to return to. You can be a big, phat whale but if people think you are a jackass you still will not make it in the online world. Actually reading what people write, coming back to their page, leaving meaning comments, giving away stuff because you appreciate what people do...
This is what it all boils down to.
Let us all be the best persons that we can be
you will be surprise on how far a smile and a few kind words will go.
You will be surprise
On how far a smile and a
Few kind words will go.
- teevmoore
I'm a bot. I detect haiku.
exactly...such underappreciated and in the end a game changer
Thank for stopping by! Let me take a peek what you are up to :)
Upvoted from the whaleshares show!
Yes! Being kind is so important! Some people tend to forget that sometimes.. 😢
A lot of people tend to forget that sometimes even :)
And they think that is works better to be an ass, but in the long run, thats not a sustainable way of thinking! We understand better :)
G’day Karin! 😂..... haha. I totally agree- just being nice and greeting people on arrival can go a long way,it requires little effort and costs nothing. I do think though some personality’s find this difficult some people are super shy or just unaware but there’s always a few who are just... well .... arrogant I guess.
Well even for shy people mumbeling a goodmorning should be possible right?
Agree its not as easy for everybody, but thats the beauty of our world, we are not all the same
Arrogant people...yeah...well..hahhaa...uhhhh,,,yeah..thats something else! (although I do believe that half of the arrogant people are mistaken for while they are actually totally not)
Yeah ... well said, your probably correct on all three of your points there.
So agreed. Our old boss made everyone anxious and I even had a nervous breakdown because of it. It was just awful. This new culture at work is much nicer because people seem to care and appreciate what you do. It's not perfect, but it makes for a more enjoyable workplace, let alone a better world. And the more we practice this, the better we get at it, and the nicer WE feel too. x
But also from the bosses perspective right... is that trule the person that you want to be? That you go to work and that you feel that people are scared of you? Would that be like you life goal, i just cant imagine this at all.
Happy to hear that the culture there changed to much, otherwise most likely you would not have been working there anymore as well I suppose also?
Ha, our bosss was obviously so concerned that he got caught watching porn, which wasn't great in a school, and thus resigned. Phew
Yes, yes, yes!
Here in Alabama when you are very young, you are taught to be kind and respectful to everyone you meet. It helps people to remember you, too. It is funny how some people look at you sideways when you are nice to them, isn’t it? 😊
Great post!
Some people are reallllly bad when you nice, its as if it is most awkward thing to them for some reason! hahahhaha.
But indeed, such a valuable skill to have and to also enjoy life a lot more actually!
You are totally right to greet people the way you do. I do the same, also in Rotterdam, and most people appreciate it and smile and greet me also. It makes the day sunny, even when it rains!
And lets be honest...it doesnt cost you too much effort actually right?
I was noticing last time in Holland that less and less people greet each other at random...And when I was in Berlin those weeks it was even worse! Subways were depressing socially wise (not in convenience..I love subways)
The truth has been spoken! Being nice can help you achieve any kind of success you strive for :-)
Have a nicer day @karinxxl. ;-)
nicerderder day to you as well dude!
Indeed, In the end our doors will open because of this!
We chose who and how we want to be... I chose to be kind
people are different thats how this life goes