Page 27 - September Impression
P. 27
It humanizes The truth is, most people want to interact
It shows people that they are recognized with one another and a simple greeting is
as human beings and as such are more an easy way to break down barriers among
than just cogs in the machine. coworkers. Although it will not
immediately heal strained relationships
It creates an environment of with coworkers, it can make a positive
equality difference in creating a happier workplace.
If everyone from the bottom all the way
up to the CEO says hello to each other, it A simple approach to adopting the a
gives the impression of a more equal practice of greeting people is a the 10-5-3
workplace where everyone is valued. rule.
It's quick At 10 feet: Look up from what you are
doing, and acknowledge the person with
Even if the idea seems dreadfully direct eye contact and a nod.
awkward to you, saying hello only takes a
second or two, at most. You will survive. At 5 feet: Smile, with your lips and eyes.
You might get noticed At 3 feet: Verbally greet the person and
offer a time-of-day greeting (“Good
Recognition for the good things one does Morning”). Use a tone of voice appropriate
in their career can be few and far to your work area or where you encounter
between. Saying hello to people might the person.
get the recognition deserved once people
actually know who you are. Don’t be discouraged if the person you are
It reduces awkwardness acknowledging does not return the
greeting. Just know that the little bit of
If you have to talk to someone later on in positivity you displayed has nudged that
the day, it is significantly less awkward if person a little bit towards being positive
you've already said hi when they walked themselves. In the end, simply choosing to
in. Better communication leads to better be positive will create a happier workplace.
work arrangements, and you might find a
whole load of benefits to getting to know
people better.
You might cheer someone up
Don't expect to complete transform
someone’s day; instead, understand that
we all appreciate a smile and a greeting
now and then. This is especially true if
we're having a horrible day.
