Why being overly polite at work can actually hinder professional growth
In short: Social psychologist Tessa West examines how masking anxiety with excessive politeness creates a cycle of unhelpful feedback. Learn how to replace generic pleasantries with the clear, consistent communication necessary for real progress.
Tessa West explores the phenomenon where employees use overly polite feedback as a way to mask their own social anxiety. While intended to be kind, this practice often results in observations that are too generic to be useful.
The video provides three specific strategies to overcome the awkwardness of directness, helping professionals transition from vague politeness to providing the clear and consistent feedback required in a high-performing environment.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: The Problem With Being “Too Nice” at Work | Tessa West | TED
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