Leadership Skills in the Workplace

Maintaining Gains Made

LEADERSHIP BRIEFS

10 The Power of Hello

Objectives

Make other people feel important so they will contribute value

Expand your circle of influence in a quick, simple, no-cost way

Lesson

Want to know the quickest way to gain the respect and admiration of others at work, no matter what their level in the organization? Want to gain a good reputation and put yourself in a position to enhance your career and gain influence? There is one tiny, simple thing you must begin doing and do consistently the rest of your life…

Begin greeting every single person you encounter, whether in the parking lot, in the hallway, entering a room or an office, or even on the sidewalk. “Hello.” “Hi.” “Good morning, Pat.” If you know their name, use it. Why is this important?

Greetings are important because they are the first step in building relationships with people. People respond to eye contact and a pleasant verbal exchange. It makes them feel like they have been recognized and acknowledged, that they weren’t just part of the woodwork or part of the air.

A verbal contact is more than general courtesy. It’s a gift one person gives another. It’s been said that the most important think you can say to someone is their name. To say someone’s name is an automatic way of connecting with them.

By beginning with “hello,” you can work to develop harmonious relationships with as many people as possible. If your friendly greeting generates a conversation, so much the better. Communication and discussion deepen the relationship, and good relationships all around you will help you to achieve your objectives.

When you are friendly and considerate of others, they respond. They cheer you on, they perform for you, and they respect you.

Remember, that there is no such thing as a self-made person. Everyone, everywhere, got where they are through their relationships with others both casual and significant relationships. Evidence suggests that the more relationships you have the more likely you are to succeed in whatever field you pursue. Relationships begin by saying hello.

Questions for Group Discussion

1. How do you feel about speaking to others regularly and routinely?
   
2. What about the person who will stop you and waste your time when you speak?
   
3. What if you are a shy person who prefers to stay to yourself and dislikes speaking to strangers?
   
4. Who is the friendliest person in your department, and how does that person influence your department?

Beginning today and continuing for one full month, implement this lesson in your life. Speak to every person you encounter at work and in other settings. In one month, get the group together and have a brief discussion on who you learned just from adding a simple and consistent “hello.”


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