If you’ve ever asked yourself – Am I too nice at work? – you may have a blindspot worth examining.

We’ve all witnessed it: a less experienced colleague with only average technical skills gets promoted over someone who seems far more qualified, goes about their day, and is nice to everyone in the office. The reason? Most leaders recognize and highly value a specific type of employee – someone who gets things done and makes their presence known.

Our firm has worked with thousands of professionals and hiring managers, and we consistently see a pattern: the individuals who advance the fastest in their careers focus more on getting things done than they do on just keeping the peace. They’re the ones who speak up, take initiative, and drive results.

Let’s explore how this dynamic plays out and what it means for professionals navigating the modern workplace.

Two Types of Early Career Professionals

In many corporate environments, young professionals tend to fall into two common archetypes:

1. The Quiet Contributor:
This person is respectful, polite, and well-liked. They show up on time, take notes in meetings, and follow instructions to a T. But they’re hesitant to speak up, ask for what they need, or challenge the status quo—even when they have great ideas. They often wait to be noticed rather than putting themselves out there. They’re often the person asking themselves if they’re “too nice”.

2. The Confident Executor:
This person walks into their boss’s office with confidence. They might say, “Hey, I need your attention on this,” or “Here’s an idea I’ve been thinking about.” They’re proactive in meetings, raise their hand, and aren’t afraid to request resources, feedback, or support. They view their job through the lens of what needs to get done, not just how they’re being perceived.

Guess who gets promoted faster?

Why Confidence and Initiative Matter in the Workplace

It’s not that confidence alone leads to promotions. It’s that confident professionals are often more focused on outcomes. They move the ball forward. They take ownership. They remove blockers, identify opportunities, and advocate for what they need to succeed.

In other words: they make their managers’ jobs easier.

In a busy company, this matters. Managers and executives are often stretched thin. When they see an employee who consistently gets results, brings ideas to the table, and doesn’t require hand-holding, they take notice. That employee becomes someone they trust, someone they want to invest in—and yes, someone they want to promote.

The Bottom Line: Focus on Outcomes, Not Just Perception

If you’re early in your career—or even mid-career—and feel like you’re being overlooked, take a moment to evaluate how you’re approaching your role. Are you more focused on how you’re acting than what you’re achieving?

Start asking yourself:

• What do I need to do to move this project forward?

• Who do I need to talk to for support or resources?

• What roadblocks can I help remove?

• What ideas can I contribute?

• Am I waiting to be told what to do—or am I showing initiative?

Being respectful and polite is always important. But when it comes to advancement, those traits need to be paired with confidence, execution, and the ability to make an impact.

Boost Your Career with a Job That Rewards Initiative

If you’re ready for a job where you can be recognized for your initiative and impact, we’re here to help. At Murray Resources, we work with companies that value confident, capable professionals who get results. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re ready to take the next step, our team can help you find a role where your contributions truly matter.

Check out our current job openings or contact us today to learn how we can support your career growth.

Work with a Staffing Agency That Knows What Companies Want

At Murray Resources, we’ve spent over 30 years connecting talented professionals with companies that recognize their value. If you’re ready to find a job where you’re empowered to take initiative and get rewarded for it, let’s talk. Explore our job openings or contact us to get started.