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TED Business

The problem with being "too nice" at work | Tessa West

Jul 15, 2024
20:27
Snipd AI
Social psychologist Tessa West discusses the downsides of being 'too nice' at work and the importance of clear, consistent feedback. Modupe provides tips on sharing constructive criticism for effective communication in the workplace.
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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Anxious niceness at work can lead to vague and unhelpful feedback, masking personal discomfort over genuine concern.
  • Providing clear and specific feedback is crucial for effective communication, overcoming the challenges of delivering constructive criticism.

Deep dives

The Impact of Anxious Niceness in Interactions

An observation is made on the tendency for individuals to exhibit anxious niceness in uncomfortable situations, leading to non-specific and overly polite interactions. This behavior often stems from personal discomfort rather than genuine concern for the other person. The speaker presents research findings on the effects of anxious niceness in various settings, emphasizing the physiological and behavioral responses it triggers in individuals. The importance of providing specific feedback over generic praise is highlighted as a means of fostering more meaningful and respectful communication.

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