The recent strangers slapping each other video has gone viral with over seven million hits (no pun intended) on the heels of its predecessor: the strangers kissing video. Director of both films, Max Landis, calls his slap video a social experiment, and argues that violence without aggression is like a hug. I am not sure they are mutually exclusive except on film. But is aggression more appealing than being nice? Leaders often struggle with this question. Should they be feared or liked? Perhaps, the sporting world can shed some light on this topic.
Tennis fans will agree that we are living in exciting times, when at least two contenders for the greatest ever of all time (GOAT) title - Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - are playing at the same time. Both are fiercely competitive on court, but supremely courteous off it. Even their rabid fans have now cooled off against each other after seeing their heroes' congeniality. Other contemporary top tennis players like Novak Djokovic and Andy Murray are also equally cordial. Djokovic's -in your face- family are now conspicuous by their absence from their box. Compare this with the hey days of Borg, McEnroe and Jimmy Connors when there was no love lost among them on or off court. Or even more recently when the bad blood that continues to exist between Agassi and Sampras, was revealed most embarrassingly in a goodwill match, as Federer and Nadal watched uncomfortably.
Naysayers call the current crop of top tennis players boring without the aggression and drama among them. The press tries to blow up even the slightest hint of disagreement among them to epic proportions. Thankfully, the players have realized that the others may be quoted out of context, and are rarely provoked. Roger Federer, off court is the epitome of class and etiquette, while Nadal is humility personified. There are no tantrums or airs. Quite the contrast from star athletes of the past who seemed unapproachable. So how do the fans react to these humble, down to earth champions? Arguably, never before have tennis champions had global appeal. Federer could rouse the Colombian crowds like an orchestra conductor, and even a very poor Federer look alike could get the Chinese fans falling all over him for autographs. Both players endorse global brands, and are global ambassadors of their sport.
Recent research by Adam Grant also indicates the value on being nice in organizations. Being nice does not mean finishing last. It is going to be a challenge to wipe out years of drumming down of the Ninja warrior approach to leadership, but the change is happening. As business goes global, a leader's reputation precedes them. People trust those they like. But ultimately it's about being true to one's nature. The point being that, being nice need not be swept under the carpet any longer, and can be flouted as a rare skill instead.
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| Federer and Nadal off court |
Naysayers call the current crop of top tennis players boring without the aggression and drama among them. The press tries to blow up even the slightest hint of disagreement among them to epic proportions. Thankfully, the players have realized that the others may be quoted out of context, and are rarely provoked. Roger Federer, off court is the epitome of class and etiquette, while Nadal is humility personified. There are no tantrums or airs. Quite the contrast from star athletes of the past who seemed unapproachable. So how do the fans react to these humble, down to earth champions? Arguably, never before have tennis champions had global appeal. Federer could rouse the Colombian crowds like an orchestra conductor, and even a very poor Federer look alike could get the Chinese fans falling all over him for autographs. Both players endorse global brands, and are global ambassadors of their sport.
Recent research by Adam Grant also indicates the value on being nice in organizations. Being nice does not mean finishing last. It is going to be a challenge to wipe out years of drumming down of the Ninja warrior approach to leadership, but the change is happening. As business goes global, a leader's reputation precedes them. People trust those they like. But ultimately it's about being true to one's nature. The point being that, being nice need not be swept under the carpet any longer, and can be flouted as a rare skill instead.
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