Book Review: Winning Nice

I was recently sent a review copy of Dawna Stone's book Winning Nice, and I finished reading it on a trip to speak to the Houston HDI Chapter. I must admit, I was initially a bit skeptical, as it's rare I find a "celebrity author" that I can enjoy reading from. Often they talk about the celebrity of it all, and are low on content. Dawna was the winner of The Apprentice: Martha Stewart, and thankfully did not talk much about how this victory changed her life, or that this was the only thing she had ever done. It was actually a very good book.

Winning Nice was packed full of little tips and tricks we can all learn how to be more genuinely nice people, something often overlooked by those climbing their way to the top of the corporate ladder. Dawna's thoughts on being nice is actually very similar to some my thoughts on making it great:

• Dawna believes it all starts with believing in yourself. Dawna offered some great tips on how to stay motivated, be positive, and how to embrace the "little things" that add up to great results.
• Taking an Interest in Others - Something I didn't think of but something that's a super nice touch, is personally walking someone to the elevator and making sure they get off comfortably to where they're going. She also talks about the power of asking questions, and really listening to the answers. This is very similar to my thoughts on feeding your friendlies and on surrounding yourself with folks who can help you.

All of these tips are basic, but are often overlooked. While there's nothing groundbreaking about these ideas, Dawna offers a nice fresh perspective on many of the best ways to be most successful in an office environment. These tips worked for Dawna, and I have no doubt if you read and incorporate these thoughts into your life that you'll be more successful too.

If you're looking for new ways to think about the important things in your work world, pick up a copy of Winning Nice. You can also check out a few more articles at the Winning Nice blog, or check out the Winning Nice excerpt.

Discussion point: Do you think you can win nice, or do you think you have to be a jerk to get ahead?

Comments

[April Groves]

Great review...I am adding it to my list of reads. Thanks for the links. Her approach seems like a great one to follow.

[Reg Adkins]

Nice review. If you liked it, it must be worth the cost of admission. On my way to Barnes and Nobles.

[Terrence Seamon]

Baseball coach Leo Durocher is famous for saying, "Nice guys finish last." I never liked that saying.

This really came home to me, many years ago, when a former employer "nailed me to the wall" for being too nice.

Well here I am, alive and kicking, and as nice as ever.

Viva niceness!

Terry

[Phil Gerbyshak]

April - I think Dawna's style fits nicely with yours, though you seem to be a little more passionate about things in your writings.

Reg - Glad I could suggest a good book for you. Read it slowly and savor it.

Terry - Viva niceness indeed friend! I'm VERY glad you're nice. To steal a line from a bumper sticker "Mean people suck!"