The average dog is a nicer person than the average person. – Andy Rooney

Be nice. It’s a simple enough concept and is one that we were taught from an early age. The beauty of the idea is that once it’s developed it will serve you well in all areas of your life. Enter your role as a leader. Being nice as a leader does not mean that you have to be a pushover and not be firm. It doesn’t mean that you are naïve and are not business savvy. Being nice is a reflection of your character and how you treat people is important to you. Being nice is a matter of respect for those around you even if you don’t happen to like them. Let’s face it; some people are just jerks and being nice to them can be a challenge. But being nice is not about them – it’s about you. You can be better than average by being nicer than average. Give it a try!