Can Nice Guys Finish First?

HBR’s fictionalized case studies present dilemmas faced by leaders in real companies and offer solutions from experts. This one is based on research by Jeffrey Pfeffer. Adam Baker had been bothered all day by the blunt message his boss and mentor, Merwyn Straus, had delivered to him on the phone that morning: Adam was not […]

by

Jeffrey Pfeffer

by

Jeffrey Pfeffer

From the Magazine (December 2011)

HBR’s fictionalized case studies present dilemmas faced by leaders in real companies and offer solutions from experts. This one is based on research by Jeffrey Pfeffer.

A version of this article appeared in the December 2011 issue of Harvard Business Review.

Jeffrey Pfeffer is Thomas D. Dee II Professor of Organizational Behavior at the Graduate School of Business, Stanford University. His next book, due to be published in 2015, is tentatively titled: Leadership B.S.: Why Workplaces and Careers Suffer—and What to Do About It.

Can Nice Guys Finish First?

Partner Center

Explore HBR

HBR Store

About HBR

Manage My Account

Follow HBR