Smile

Smile :) An instant way to institute trust, respect and unprejudiced communications with your colleagues and customers

People often ask me why I am smiling at them, and my response is mostly the same “Why not? It’s so easy to smile”. When I see a known face, it takes me more effort not to smile. And while the scientific debate whether frowning requires more effort continues, my action is spontaneous.

Growing up, we reallocated regularly because of my dad's work. I found myself in places where I could not even speak the local language. Smiling was a prompt way to connect. It was universal. I naturally developed the habit of smiling, not knowing what language I can use to communicate. It was a great ice breaker. 

Smiling reduces the awkwardness and difficulty in starting conversations

In today's business world, while we all speak the same language, we are constantly rushing between sites/meetings, juggling tasks and are distracted by technology. Smiling can be a genuine way to recognize others and create a comfortable space to encourage new ideas.

Greeting our staff, colleagues, managers, stakeholders with a smile. When we meet them in meetings, cross paths in hallways or see them in the kitchen can signal that you are available to listen to what they have to say.

 Conversations with someone who smiles are inviting and encourage contact

• Smiling shows you are positive and inclusive. You are pleased to see them and are available. You are not shy or have prejudice.
• Smiling provides a straightforward way to start a conversation or invite someone to start one. You establish a sense of trust by signalling that you are non-judgemental, value the interaction and will respect the interaction.
• And it's (smiling) infectious, it allows transfer of positive energy and replicate.

We want our managers and stakeholders to talk about their ideas. We want to improve our business from the core, we want to simplify and digitize our existing setups, and our SME's hold most of the knowledge. Everyone has ideas but they are not always forthcoming. Let's enable them.

Smile and attract innovation

Your customers can hear your smile over the phone. It’s more than just a visual instrument. You can try it out. Next time you are speaking with someone over the phone smile, and you will hear them smile back. What an amazing way to be able to captivate your customer on the phone; with a smile.

Smile while on the phone. It empowers your tone

And finally, Smiling is contagious and infectious which makes it all so even easier! Especially for those days when you forget to smile, you will find others smiling at you. And you will promptly smile back.

So try it out. Smile

Signal that you are open to listening and innovation