Genuine smiles change the flavour
Work feels different when genuine smiles are being shared around the room.
A human smile is a universal gesture that helps people feel safe.
It signals that there is no threat it is safe to be at ease.
The importance of smiling in human interactions is highlighted by how attuned we are to tell the difference between genuine and forced.
If you are trying to create a work environment where people feel safe and at ease with each other, don’t overlook the power of the humble smile.
In my experience, a new leader can achieve this by:
- Leading the way with a genuine smile each day when greeting each other.
- Learning, caring and asking about what brings individuals a smile in their lives.
- Consistently finding something for the team to smile about (ideally daily if not weekly).
It takes a connection to share a genuine smile, and this is what effective leadership requires.
My penguin cartoons illustrate leadership, learning, and development to bring a thoughtful smile to your day.
If you want to see more of my work, click the following icon on my profile, Lee Sampson and join over 3,000 others getting a daily dose of fun and thoughtful penguin cartoons in their LinkedIn feed.
Lee Sampson
If you are someone who enjoys introspection and self-reflection that is delivered with a touch of art and humour, then you have come to the right place. Finding the humour in shared relatable experiences and highlighting how much we have in common is what motivates me.
