Years ago, I learned that gracious acceptance of our differences in abilities and status is not only the key to interpersonal harmony, but ironically, the key to personal advancement as well. Only from this peaceful place can we implement an upward strategy with minimum pushback. I learned this from a dog named Nellie. It’s what animals know and we should, too.
When it came to getting what she wanted from others in her pack with greater power, Nellie knew the secret sauce. She knew how to be liked by the other dogs! Nellie was never crabby or irritable, but always happy with an unusual serenity about her. She seemed content with her current position in the pack — not put-upon or resentful. She never grumbled or tried to force her will, yet amazingly more often than not, she ended up with whatever she wanted from them! Nellie avoided confrontation or any air of entitlement or victimhood or vexing over what she did not have, but chose instead to use patience, trust and friendship to get what she wanted from others.
Nellie mastered the art of getting what she wanted through what I call “Strategic Niceness.” Her strategy can be the blueprint for your own behavior when you need something from someone of authority or wish to climb the status ladder to greater success. Stop demanding or complaining and just get your Nellie on!
