Nice Guys Earn More

Nice guys have a competitive edge (Tweet it!). In creating the 2016 Best Small and Medium Workplaces lists for partner Fortune, the consulting firm Great Place to Work learned that the strongest driver of above-average revenue growth among smaller businesses is a caring community at work (http://bit.ly/2jhYFnl).

Great Place to Work conducted its research by looking at several hundred small and medium-sized companies, and examined more than 52,000 employee surveys. “Caring,” as identified by employees in surveys, ranked as more pivotal for growth than a clear business strategy, innovation activities, and even competent leadership.

The study sought to discover the strongest drivers of high performance by looking at the relative impact of the 58 questions from Great Place to Work’s Trust Index Employee Survey. At the very top were “People care about each other” and “Management hires people who fit in well here.” These statements tied as the overall top drivers of above-average revenue growth.

The study’s authors say, “While the caring-as-competitive-edge finding is striking, it is not entirely surprising, given a growing collection of data about the importance of psychological security, community, and a sense of belonging.”

Do you work in what you consider a caring community? Do you believe that makes you more productive, and how so? To join the conversation, click "comments" below on our Community of Practice Forum.
 
If you would like to read more about creating a habit around masterful communication, check out our book: Be Quiet, Be Heard: The Paradox of Persuasion

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