156. Do You Really Need to Be “Nice”?

We’ve all thought it: “I can’t say that (I need to be nice)”.

But what do we really mean by nice, and how does it impact us at work?

“Nice” often shows up as:

• ​not giving direct feedback,
• ​not setting boundaries,
• ​not stating expectations clearly; or
• ​avoiding “disappointing” people.

In this episode, I’ll walk you through:

• ​Why “nice” holds us back at work,
• ​How childhood messages, cultural norms, and confidence cycles feed the myth of “nice,”
• ​A reframe you can use to be clear, respectful, and caring - without being unkind,
• ​Simple strategies to help you step out of the “nice trap” and into real, confident communication.

Want to be more Confident At Work?

• ​Start here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠take our free: Confidence Assessment ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ​Get private support to feel confident at work - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠book a call to explore private coaching⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  
• ​Explore and join the ⁠Confident At Work Membership ⁠

Cover art by Jacob McFadden

Theme song by Melissa Carter @ Making Audio Magic