While the meek can look forward to inheriting the earth, they’ve often been out of luck when it comes to inheriting the corner office. But fear not, agreeable people—your time has come. At least that’s the thinking of HR expert Rob Wilson, who says new research suggests we might finally be at the Era of the Nice Guy/Gal.
“In previous years, research showed that being agreeable wasn’t a good quality to have in the office,” says Wilson, president of Employco USA. “A 2018 study from the University of California showed that being a ’yes guy’ could harm your career potential and make you get overlooked for raises and promotions. And a similar 2017 study showed that being agreeable could actually reduce your lifetime earnings.”
But now, says Wilson, it looks like Cocky Carl and Bossy Betty might not squeaky wheel their way to a promotion so easily these days.
“The COVID-19 pandemic put stress on the relationship between employee-employer. The entire dynamic of the workplace changed, while bosses had to face the most difficult years their company had ever faced,” says Wilson.
So perhaps it’s no surprise that this led to employers seeking different qualities in candidates and existing employees.
“The helpful, hard-working employee who never made a big splash during meetings used to get overlooked,” says Wilson. “Bosses paid more attention to the cutthroat employee who grabbed the reins and demanded respect from other employees. But this research shows that the go-getter, independent type of personality is no longer as valued in the workplace.”
Maybe punctuality, perseverance, teamwork and amenability aren’t so bad after all.
Learn more at primemediamanagement.com.
