Nice Managers Finish Last

Mother may have taught you can never go wrong being nice. According to a study by the University of Denver, however, managers who are good natured, nurturing and sympathetic often are considered too weak for promotions.

DU researchers followed the careers of more than 1,500 people over 20 years. The results were surprising: An overwhelming majority of nice supervisors were passed over for promotions and made less money.

"Being too nice can deter your career progress and muddle your effectiveness as a leader," said Dr. Christine Riordan, Dean of DU's Daniels College of Business. "The degree to which a person is trusting of others as well as likable (good-natured, cheerful, gentle) hurt his or her salary level and number of promotions."

Perhaps that's why women, on average, earn 77 cents for every dollar earned by men. Are we being too nice, nurturing, sympathetic and supportive?

On the plus side, more affable managers play well with others and enjoy greater career and life satisfaction. 

Here are four "nice" traits that could hold you back.

1. Confrontation Avoiders
"Nice" leaders who avoid conflicts, making hard decisions or dealing with problem subordinates are perceived as weak, lacking  courage and generally not leadership material. 

A successful manager both manages controversial issues and provides constructive feedback, which needn't always be positive.

In other words, you're not making the big bucks because everyone thinks you're a swell guy (or gal).

2. Poor Motivators
You needn't be New Orleans Head Coach Sean Payton to motivate your team, but you certainly can take a page out of his playbook. Payton is known for shooting fiery glances at players and assistant coaches; his way of saying, "Get it right!" without uttering a word.

Other times, Payton's approach is more positive and supportive. Players find inspirational messages or poems in their lockers. During the 2009 post-season, Payton gave players commemorative baseball bats as a means of inspiring his team to "bring the wood."

A supervisor's job is to get as much out of your employees as possible. Hesitate to lay down the law when necessary and you're less likely to save an employer's money, improve efficiency or get promoted.  

3. Avoid Speaking Up
It's not easy bringing up the topic of a raise, much less sticking to your guns, but few bosses are going to offer a raise out of the blue. Drop the nice act and get pro-active. Ask to meet with your boss, put together documentation and explain why you deserve a raise. Even if you don't receive a raise, employers look more favorably on employees who (politely) stand up for themselves. 

4. Your Fired!
Unless your Donald Trump, the hardest part of a managorial job is firing or laying off employees. Even if you're dealing with a lazy nut-job, it's hard to utter those words, "We have to let you go." If you want more money and responsibility, you also have to take on the hard jobs.

5. Don't Go Overboard
Keep in mind that going to the other extreme is equally damaging to your career. Riordan said "the evidence is overwhelming that, being abrasive, disrespectful, abusive and mean will also derail a career."

Photo by msun523