Hi, I’m Theo Gilbert-Jamison, with Performance Solutions by Design… and in this segment we’re focusing on THE VALUE OF A SMILE. Now, you may be asking… Theo, why on earth… are you focusing on this?
Well, think about how many times RECENTLY that you’ve check into a hotel, made a doctor’s visit, interacted with the cashier at the grocery store, or maybe you’re just simply paying for gas.
How many times have you ACTUALLY been acknowledged and greeted by an employee with a warm, and friendly smile? Probably almost never!
We’re often taught that when we’re in the presence of a customer, we should always smile, make positive eye contact, and, if possible, address customers by their preferred name. And the purpose of doing all of this is to PROMOTE a positive environment that is courteous and respectful of everyone.
And, we’re also taught to practice the 10-foot rule meaning that should a customer come within 10-feet of our presence, we should SMILE. And, once they are within 5-feet of us, we should greet them with a friendly “Good morning, afternoon, or eveningâ€, “Welcomeâ€, or “How are you today?†But sadly, this rarely happens.
So, if you or your team is having a bit of a PROBLEM with this simple standard of excellence let me shed a little light. Here are 5 Reasons that validate the VALUE of a smile!
ONE – It’s inexpensive to smile. We’ve all heard that a smile cost nothing. And to top it off, a smile improves your looks. Think about it, people are naturally attracted to you when you smile. And of course, smiling not only makes you more attractive, but it also makes you look more youthful!
TWO – Smiling suggest success. Why? Because people who smile often appear to be more CONFIDENT and are more approachable. And guess what, they are also more likely to be promoted.
THREE – When you smile, your mood (along with those around you) is ELEVATED. And quite naturally, your body becomes more relaxed, calm, and at ease.
FOUR – Smiling also creates better relationships at work, and in your personal life. And from a health perspective, it’s also known to relieve stress, lower blood pressure, and boost your immune system.
AND finally, FIVE – Smiling promotes good BRAIN health. Why? Because research indicates that when we smile, our brain releases dopamine, endorphins, and serotonin. Which means we feel happier, calmer, more focused, motivated, and again we feel less stress and pain!
So, there you have it! Five great reasons why we should ALL smile more. Which isn’t hard for most people. And if you’re NOT a natural smiler, hopefully I’ve created an awareness surrounding all of the benefits that you can add to “someone else’s day†with just a simple, genuine, and sincere smile.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Theo Gilbert-Jamison is CEO of Performance Solutions by Design, a consulting firm headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia that helps organizations exceed expectations by elevating the customer experience from average to extraordinary.
She is also author of several leadership books to include: The Six Principles of Service Excellence, and The Leadership Book of Numbers, Volumes 1 & 2. Prior to launching Performance Solutions by Design in 2003, she was VP of Learning & Development with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company where she enjoyed a 17-year career. Theo was also a key contributor, instrumental in implementing and sustaining processes and systems that led to Ritz-Carlton becoming a two-time recipient of the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award.
With extensive background in Leadership Development and Human Resources, Theo works closely with organizations, ranging from private clubs, hospitality, healthcare, education, technology, and more. On average, her books, workshops, videos, and webinars are viewed by over 150,000 people annually.