Is there something as being too nice at work or in business?

Are you one of those employees or even employers who find it difficult to say no even when you know for sure that going ahead with the proposal, project or new hire may harm you and your organisation.

A few weeks ago, a persistent to-be client pummeled me with queries about the publishing process, the writing and editing process, charges and everything else related to the publishing of his book.

Under tremendous pressure to be get more work, be nice, efficient, and relatable I answered all his questions, going the extra mile. A few weeks of back and forth later, after hours of time invested, the said person decided he would be able to publish his book on his own without spending a rupee on it.

I have seen this happen many times. Most often than not clients will take advantage of you when you’re too nice – suppliers who can’t deliver on time, colleagues who don’t do their work, customers who demand more and more, learn everything from you and walk out – you’re actually letting others take advantage of you and your business.

Once people see you can't say no you'll start to attract the type of people who will guilt trip you when you do say no to something they propose. Many may question whether your niceness comes with ulterior motives.

"Just as there is no such thing as a free lunch, there can not, surely, be such a thing as 'too nice' for no reason," Anila Syed says. People might begin to question what you really want, even if you're just trying to be a good person.

However when I realised that I was sidestepping real issues, giving into demands and avoiding uncomfortable conversations altogether I knew it was time to put an end to "being too nice" and politely but firmly stand my ground.

If you are constantly getting hurt doing business with someone or working for someone it is time to cut your losses and make a fresh start.