Nice Guys Should Finish First

I remember interviewing for my first recruiting job about 15 years ago. One of the oddest questions I got during the interview was, “Do you speed when you drive?” Huh?? My first thought is, “Yes, but should I tell you that?” My second was, “I don’t lie, so I guess I’m going to have to just fess up.” So I said, “Yes, I have quite a few speeding tickets actually.” Well, that got me the job since she was looking for folks who were aggressive.


Thankfully the environment at that job was great and there were just a handful of people who were so assertive that they rubbed others the wrong way. And, thankfully, I have not worked in offices that were extremely cut throat, but I’ve heard they’re out there, and I’ve certainly met some people who I’d deem as being overly forceful in how they approach business. But are those the types of people who are most successful or do nice guys ever finish first?


My husband and I started our agency back in 2002, and we purposely looked for people who could “play well with others.” We wanted a culture that could be successful, but also pleasant. Sure we had opportunities to bring on “sharks,” but we opted to hire people who worked hard, but also had decent soft skills. Our preference was direct and ambitious; tactful and considerate.



WHY MUST IT BE ONE OR THE OTHER?

I’ve always been all those things. I’m also aggressive, but not in an “aggressive” sort of way. I believe it’s important to push your clients / coworkers / employees / etc. a bit when you feel strongly about something (such as a terrific candidate), but when you come at it from a true desire to help and are respectful, you won’t usually make enemies.

Nice guys may not always finish first, but they certainly should in my opinion. And regarding the speeding tickets, I do have plenty under my belt, but hey, that was back in college and I now pay my own insurance, so that makes a world of difference.