Would you rather be a mean or nice business person?

[bluepenguin]

I was just thinking about an old business partnership I was in.

One of the partners was a very demanding person. If a supplier stuffed something up, he would be straight on the phone blasting the first person who answered because they hadn't delivered what they promised.

He got good results because people feared him.

Another of the partners was the complete opposite. If a supplier stuffed something up, he would politely call to let them know that something wasn't right and make an arrangement to get the problem fixed, then have a friendly chat about their husband/grandmother/dog/golf swing.

He got good results because people liked him.

Do you think a successful business person needs to be ruthless, gracious, or somewhere in between?

[JacquiPryor]

I don't think to be successful you need to be one or the other - but you need to be smart and perhaps possess the ability to be either depending on the situation.

[bluewoodstudio]

I could never be 'the mean person' on a day to day basis. It is just not me, I wouldn't know how to do it. I have certainly let rip on occasion to major telcos etc. but I still don't enjoy doing it.

I believe by being calm, assertive and fair, someone in 'the wrong' can still be made aware of their failings, and hopefully at the same time fix the problem and maintain the relationship.

I'm a big believer in not burning any bridges.

[Dane Pymble]

I'm with bluewood, I could never be the mean person as it's not in my nature, I'm too soft probably!

Whilst your old business partner might have got operational results what about the emotional toll? I know people like the person you describe, often borne from an inferiority complex do they feel the need to belittle & berate others for mistakes made yet gloss over their own fallibility.

To be successful I think involves being your self or "Be authentic" as Robert Gerrish describes it.

[Suzie26]

Love what you have to say regarding people who are "bullies" are because of their own inferiority complex!!.

Whilst you may get good results because people fear you... remember those people will run as far as they can.

Fear does not produce results or people going out of their way. Never in my life would I contract out my services to someone I fear. I would rather go hungry!!

[Spider]

I think somewhere in between the 2.
Don't be too soft, but don't be a grumpy person who only complains.

Alot would depend on the individuals personality and mood on the day or at the time.

If you're in a happy mood you'd be less likely to complain agressively.
If you're in a really bad mood and stupid mistakes happen, it's difficult to not complain and curse others for silly mistakes.

In the end, I think we would all prefer to be nice business people.
It's a reflection of your attitude.

[Webfunk]

I would be polite and friendly, but assertive. Don't want people saying bad stuff behind your back, nor do you want people walking all over you - because they will.

[AgentMail]

For me, one of the important things of being a business owner is that I go to bed at night with a clear conscience. I make money, but work hard for it, charge fairly and pay my bills on time.

To me, being a good business person is about recognising the value in relationships, between suppliers, employees, customers and anyone else you interact within your day to day running.

Everyone is allowed to make a mistake, it is how we learn. So it is a case of working with the person/company that made the error and helping to fix it. if it continues to happen, then it is not the tone of voice that needs to change, but the relationship and possibly the supplier.

[tbc]

I believe that both approaches work - sometimes. You got to hear about both their successes, but I'm sure that there were times when the other person would have actually achieved a better/faster result. Some people perceive politeness as weakness and take advantage, others react negatively to anger and become passively or actively non-compliant.

Me, personally, I'm with AgentMail above.

[MsLilyPonds]

As a Gen Xer - I am thankful to GenY for bringing on this trend of corporate generosity and an informal friendly business atmosphere - Gen X tried to beat it out of the baby boomers but failed - thanks for finally getting it done Gen Y

I don't think you can be a big meany anymore - the workplace culture is changing, employers need employees too much, becuse employers don't know how to make the intewebz work.