There’s a saying that nice guys finish last. In the business world, this might conjure up the image of someone who’s overly accommodating, easily taken advantage of, lacking aggression, or destined to fall short of significant success.

While there may be a shred of truth to this perception in certain cases, success doesn’t always demand aggression or cutthroat tactics. The reality is that many of us, consciously or subconsciously, stereotype people and place them into boxes. Being nice doesn’t mean lacking assertiveness, avoiding tough decisions, or refusing to say no. Furthermore, not every nice person aspires to climb the corporate ladder—success comes in many forms.

The True Value of Niceness in Business

Let’s be honest: if you had to choose between two individuals with equivalent talent and skills to collaborate with on a project, would you pick the nice guy or the jerk?

In most organizations, success hinges on teamwork. Effective collaboration and building strong relationships are essential for long-term achievement. While aggressive or unpleasant behavior might yield short-term results, it ultimately damages team morale and, over time, the organization itself.

Reframing Niceness

If someone tells you to “have a nice day,” do you picture a jerk? Probably not. Niceness carries an inherent warmth and humanity that resonates with others. It’s time to challenge the stereotype that nice guys finish last in business. Niceness can be a powerful quality when paired with assertiveness, resilience, and sound decision-making.

The question isn’t whether niceness is valuable, it’s how we can harness it to lead, connect, and thrive.