Do you smile? I mean, do you intentionally smile? Not a constant, silly smile, just an outward expression of connection.
Think about your favorite fast-food place. Do you look at the menu first as you order with a common “Gimme a _____,” and then look at the server or cashier? What if, as you walked up, your first intention was eye contact, then a greeting, then the menu…followed again by eye contact and a thank you?
And even more so at work, especially if you work in a busy people, people, people place. Rather than looking down at your phone, what if you decided intentionally to be a bright, connective spot in someone’s day?
After service on a plane, I always intentionally go to the galley and make eye contact with the flight attendant, smile, and engage with pretty much the same words every time: “Thank you for your service today,” followed by, “How long have you been doing this?”
What comes next is the fun and informative part. Every story is different…and few people will initiate or truly listen. It’s memorable for both.
Work in a hospital? Coming to and from your health club? Now, I’m not recommending this everywhere! There are times, such as on a subway or bus, for example, when people prefer an anonymous seat. But in those places where we pass those we know, work near, or order a meal from…look up. Eye contact. Smile. A greeting.
I teach physician leaders what they did not learn in medical school: executive presence, presenting to executives, and leading teams of their former peers.