Why you can't always be nice in business
If you are the kind of person that can’t say no to others or feels bad delivering news that may cause upset then you may find leading a team of people in business challenging.
It is always necessary to be kind and respectful with the delivery of any information but being too nice can be detrimental to a business and it’s productivity. Whilst business owners should show a level of flexibility and compassion to their staff’s personal circumstances, when it is having a negative affect on their colleagues and their ability to perform their core duties, something must be said.
Turning a blind eye to the following behaviours can have significant long term impacts if left unaddressed;
Ongoing lateness
Gossiping
Poor job performance
Poor customer service
Irritable or aggressive behaviour
Uncooperative (not a team player)
Disrespectful to others
Significant absenteeism
Being too nice as a leader can be very damaging to your reputation and credibility. You run the risk of things not getting done as they should, clients being impacted and your top staff leaving your business. If you leave matters too long, you are more likely to become frustrated and react harshly or inappropriately. Don’t let things fester and take action swiftly ensuring you are clear on what you expect and what the business will and won’t tolerate.
Develop your company culture and ensure that everyone you hire fit’s into this environment. If you have made an error in judgement and recruited the wrong person, act swiftly to ensure the person is removed from the business before their probation comes to an end. If you tell yourself that they may improve, you are denying a fact you know to be true. You made a mistake and now it’s time to fix it. This conversation can be difficult but it is much easier to be had at the beginning than after a year or longer once a person feels like they belong in your team.
Be direct, be honest and never leave things unsaid. Even when it may hurt because at the end of the day you are running a business and it’s yours to protect.