Is it time to end the era of excessive politeness?

Why Candid Conversations Create High-Performance Cultures.

Guest Article Featured on Entrepreneur Magazine

Have you encountered an organizational culture in which people shied away from direct and honest discussions about performance? Regardless of your industry, geography or level of experience, it's likely that you have.

Excessive politeness, also known as the "tyranny of niceness," can hinder high-performance cultures by creating a fear of conflict and stifling open and honest feedback. Therefore, it's essential for leaders to cultivate a positive work atmosphere, to be sure, but also one that supports performance and growth.

This is an issue that has affected many organizations, including B:Side Capital and B:Side Fund, where, as of writing this, I've served as CEO for a little over two years. Throughout a more than 30-year history, they have developed a reputation for positivity, dedication and results. However, as with any enterprise, not everything was perfect. There was a period during which we suffered from a pervasive culture of niceness — starting with genuine regard for team members, clients and partners, but over time transforming into something more grounded in fear. The team was afraid of conflict, of offending and ultimately of giving helpful feedback, and although progress has been made in moving away from these behaviors, some remnants persist.

The recognition that excessive politeness was holding the organization back necessitated a deep conversation about values, principles and expectations. One discussion takeaway we quickly absorbed is that when niceness becomes the norm in all conversations, individuals learn that being polite is more important than being truthful. This creates an environment in which feedback and performance discussions are avoided, leading to missed opportunities, and revenue.

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