Some people call it Karma, some a Biblical principle, and just about everyone knows what I am referring to if I call it “The Golden Rule.” Let’s make it even simpler; if you give nice, you will get nice. It won’t necessarily come back to you from where you gave it. It doesn’t mean that nice is all you will get back. It doesn’t mean that you will make a million dollars in a week. It only means that the more “nice” you give, the more “nice” you will get.

I don’t mean to be nice to only the people that you believe can benefit you, it doesn’t work that way. Be nice to EVERYONE. Being nice just so somebody will be nice to you, doesn’t work. I have seen it fail time after time, with many different people. Just make being nice a part of who you are.

I have two examples today, one from a long time ago and one from last week. I was interviewing for a customer service type of job along with several other candidates and while I was waiting for my appointment, I started talking with the receptionist, nothing fancy, nothing formal, just “how’s it going, “ kind of stuff. When my turn came, I went in, went through the interview and on my way out, I paused at the front desk, thanked the receptionist and spent a few more moments with her and went on my way.

A few days later, I got a call back and went in for a second interview and stopped at the front desk and spoke with the same receptionist again for a couple moments and went in to the interview. I got the job.

Some time later I was talking with the guy that hired me and he asked if I knew why I got the job. I had no idea and told him so. He told me that I was the ONLY applicant who took the time to speak with the receptionist. There were others more technically qualified than I was and yet I was the one who took the time to be nice to the staff. Being nice paid off.

Last week I was on a business trip and in this particular city I always stay at the same hotel; maybe 8 or 9 times a year. Breakfast is included in the room rate. I always make it a point to talk to the front desk people and the lady that sets up the breakfast buffet. I like biscuits and gravy for breakfast. No, I LOVE biscuits and gravy.

I had learned Thursday night that I was going to have to stay longer than expected and I was not happy. But, sometimes “ya gotta do what ya gotta do.” Friday morning when I went down to breakfast there was a big batch of biscuits and gravy. Needless to say it softened the blow of having to stay. On my way out, the “breakfast lady” told me that because she knew I liked them, she changed the menu days so I could have them before I left.

Being nice comes back. Not right away, not always from the same place and sometimes in little ways just when you need it most. But it does come back. That’s why I say, “make being nice a part of who you are.”