#4 - CHEERFULNESS
Earlier in my career, I had the opportunity to build and lead teams. Every six months, I would conduct a team satisfaction survey. This would give me the opportunity to learn how I was doing and what kind of culture I was developing. I remember one specific time when I had received the results back. One of my support managers wrote, “You are very knowledgeable and compassionate as a leader. However, you could smile more. The people on the team who don’t know you as I do, often misconstrue your demeaner simply because you don’t smile enough.” This really stuck with me and I made a genuine effort to smile more.
I am not saying that leaders or anyone has to smile all the time. But when we do, we become approachable and we change the energy around us. I can think of several instances when a simple smile altered the environment and the mood of those in it. Furthermore, smiling is infectious and when we smile, often we encourage others to reciprocate.
It is also important to note that smiling releases dopamine, endorphins and serotonin which create a sense of happiness and can literally alter our moods, instantly.
Excerpts and insights* from Chapter 10 of "Your Journey to Greatness Through Routine: A Guide to Creating a Success Routine"
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*Certain portions have been added to actual book excerpts by the author.
LEARN MORE AND PURCHASE THE BOOK at http://michellesteffes.com/book
Michelle L Steffes is a Certified Speaker, Corporate Trainer, Executive Coach and Author of two books: "Reframe & Rewire" (also available on Audible) and "The Machine Inside Me." Discover more and contact her through her website, IPV Consulting.