Success Happy

Are kind people more successful than nasty people?

It is becoming fashionable to assert that in the twenty-first century success is achieved more easily, rapidly and for longer by those who display so called 'feminine traits' such as empathy, nurturance and collaboration than by the old fashioned 'masculine traits' of competitiveness, dominance and agression. Why, therefore,do so many people in the management tier of my profession be they male or female seem anything but kind, caring and nurturing? Am I just unlucky to be working with such people or is power exercised by those most willing to be insensitive, calculating and manipulative.

Public Comments

1. The evidence does not support this. In fact recent research by the TUC suggested that Managers who bully their staff and take credit for the work of others are more likely to get recognition at boardroom level. The meek and mild tend to stay stuck at junior management levels and the honest don't even make it that far!
2. The sh*t always floats on the top I'm afraid, well nearly always
3. No.
4. I don't think so.
5. I think you're talking more about business here in which case I think it depends on the culture within that sector. I think managers with masculine traits will succeed within male dominated professions / professions with a masculine culture and vice versa. But also there is still sexism in the world of work and I think maybe there is an aspect of (for female managers) that to succeed (be a manager) they need to take a masculine kind of role. If you think about success in other terms however like happiness/ health/ wellbeing I'm sure being nice pays dividends. I recall reading that people with more friends/ or who feel part of some kind of community (like a church) live longer and maintain better health in their old age.
6. Nasty people can be individually successful through tyranny. But kind people can be just as successful through empathy and nurturing. Teams with considerate leaders and team members have staying power. Their workers are generally more loyal to the group and it's purpose. That's my experience in the work place. But both can be very successful. I think most people prefer the nasty route because it's straight forward. No image of insecurity or hesitation and no question of who's in control. That's unfortunate though. I've seen unbelievable synergy in groups with less aggressive leadership. The people in those types of groups actually have fun and contribute more instead of watching the clock all day or sabotaging their group and it's equipment.
7. Yep you got it - no brownie points for kindness - No you aren't just unlucky this is the way of the world although there are pockets of kindness everywhere. Maybe you could use a career change?Or work in an organisation that is person friendly - a workers co-operative?