Kindness is Good for Business: How Treating People Right Leads to Success—Ask Janea
—HR in Out of Home—Got people problems? Let’s solve them together!
by Janea S. McDonald, PhD, PHR, SHRM-CP
janea@edgehrconsulting.com www.edgehrconsulting.com
#haveaheartyall
A question I’ve encountered throughout my professional life is whether there’s truth in the business world to the adage “Nice Folks Finish Last”. Does kindness still count? To answer this question, I’ll direct everyone’s attention to a new initiative of mine, #haveaheartyall. The purpose is to help people understand the importance of having a heart at work. It’s easy to believe that success belongs to the loudest voice, the sharpest elbows, or the flashiest sales pitch. But reality tells a different story. Those who cut corners or are pushy or rude might see success in the short term, but not in the long term. People who take the time to develop relationships are the people who will see long-term success. And the organizations that hire and retain them will ultimately see more success, too.
Being a good person and treating others with genuine respect, empathy, and kindness isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s a competitive advantage.
You might have heard the phrase (attributed to Bob Berg), “People do business with people they know, trust, and like.” Our OOH industry is built on relationships: with clients, with vendors, with teammates, and with the communities we serve. When you treat people right, you don’t just close a sale; you open a door to lasting partnerships, loyalty, and a powerful reputation that money can’t buy.
Here’s how being a good human fuels professional and personal success in OOH:
Trust Builds Business – Trust is the foundation of every great deal. Clients don’t just invest in campaigns — they invest in people. When you consistently act with integrity, deliver on promises, and genuinely care about your clients’ needs (not just your bottom line), you repeatedly become the partner they choose.
Word of Mouth is Priceless – Reputation travels fast. A kind gesture, a thoughtful email, a willingness to go the extra mile — these small moments create a ripple effect. When people feel good working with you, they talk about it. And those recommendations are often the gateway to more and bigger opportunities.
Culture Drives Creativity and Growth – Companies that cultivate kindness internally are more innovative, resilient, and profitable. Employees who feel respected and valued bring their best ideas to the table, collaborate more effectively, and stay committed longer. A positive work environment isn’t just good for morale — it’s good for the bottom line. Win-win!
Kindness Differentiates You – OOH is a crowded, competitive space. Talent is everywhere. But genuine kindness is rare — and unforgettable. When you bring heart to every interaction, you create experiences clients and colleagues want to return to. You stand out for the right reasons.
It Feels Good — And That Matters – Beyond dollars and deals, success is about living a life you’re proud of. Treating others with respect, fairness, and kindness attracts opportunity and creates a more profound sense of personal fulfillment. And when you feel good inside, it shows up in your work, leadership, and legacy.
At the end of the day, our industry, like every industry, is about people.
The billboards, transit ads, and spectaculars we create may light up the skyline, but the relationships behind them power real success.
So, as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of this business, remember:
#haveaheartyall isn’t just a hashtag.
It’s a strategy.
It’s a philosophy.
It’s the secret to building a career — and a life — that’s truly worth celebrating.
Do you or your people need reminders about how to treat people and build effective relationships? I can help! Please email me or follow me on socials for tips (@janearayphd).
Please keep sending in your questions, as you’re not the only one experiencing workplace issues, and others can benefit from reading how to handle specific situations.
This is your chance to get expert advice and see your question featured! Please email me at janea@edgehrconsulting.com. Let’s work together to make people’s problems more straightforward to handle. Visit www.edgehrconsulting.com
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