1st Place: Nice Guy / Last Place: Mean Guy

It's time for me to ruin the absurd perception that has been told for too long. Nice people do not finish last. In fact, I am finding the exact opposite to be true. Nice people finish way ahead of any and all competition.

The mere idea that one has to be mean or cut throat to get anywhere in life is asinine. All that does is burn bridges and shatter respect. Being rude, vindictive, or constantly out for blood will rarely lead to a life of glory and prosperity. Hard work and a passion for one's job and life are the only sure-fire ways to ensure success. We all need to start hammering this home to the youth of our country now. We need to stop telling them that they only way to get ahead is by stepping on others. Too many young people think that being kind, empathetic, and helpful are signs of weakness, especially in the workplace. This is not only detrimental to our future but dangerous as well. One does not have to be closed off, feared, or conniving to be a leader. That is no leader at all.

Here is what I do know. People respect others who give respect in return. People notice others who can productively collaborate. People appreciate others who actively listen and consider ideas other than their own. People admire others who take the time to help. People follow others who lead by example and with the acceptance for new and creative ideas. This, my friends, is the nice person. This is the person who finishes first because not only does she work hard, but she has a group around her that wants to work hard with her and for her. This is the nice person who climbs the ladder because she has earned the opportunity to scale each rung and not at the expense of another person.

I apologize if I have spoiled one of life's oldest myths. The truth is in all of life's competitions (work, relationships, fulfillment, etc) the nice person will always cross the line first. Being kind, empathetic, and helpful will never be signs of weakness. The will always ALWAYS be the truest signs of strength and lead to a win.

Go do great things,

EP