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Smile and Say Hello: A Contagious Act of Optimism
Smile and Say Hello: A Contagious Act of Optimism
A commentary by Victor Perton based on his book "Optimism: The How and Why"
Smile at every person you meet today. Smile at yourself in the mirror before you head out the door.
Saint Mother Teresa said, “We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”
Never underestimate the power of a smile. BK Janki said, “It’s hard for people to smile. Often people only smile superficially. A real smile comes from understanding who we are and who we belong to.”
A genuine smile is an act of optimism. It says, without words: I see you. You matter. There is still warmth, welcome and possibility here.
Smile at people you know. Smile at people you vaguely recognise. Smile at strangers in the street, in lifts, in cafés and in corridors. Smile when you arrive. Smile when you leave. Smile first.
Wherever I am in the world, I try to greet people warmly. In Delhi, I smiled at a hotel security guard and said hello. He looked surprised, then gave me the broadest grin. “Not many people smile at me,” he said. “You made my shift better.”
At a fuel station in Euroa, I was once third in the queue to pay. The woman at the counter looked frazzled. She looked up at me and said, “You look happy today.” It began a conversation that lifted everyone in the shop. It was just a smile.
A smile also helps the person wearing it. It reminds us that optimism is something we practise with our bodies as well as our thoughts.
Smile in meetings. Smile on video calls. Smile when someone is nervous and presenting. Let it be encouragement.
After a meeting with a difficult agenda item, I congratulated the executive who had presented. She said, “It was easy, Victor. You were looking at me, smiling and nodding as I emphasised points.” A smile can steady another person’s confidence.
This is why smiling belongs in leadership. A smile signals warmth, presence and possibility. It helps create trust.
As President George W. Bush put it, “It’s hard to be optimistic if you aren’t able to smile.” He added that one of the President’s jobs is to create an optimistic vision for the country.
The same is true, in smaller ways, for every leader.
If you would like to build the smiling habit, try this today. Wake up smiling. Let your first act of the day be a smile, even before your feet hit the floor. Set your intention: Today, I will smile more on purpose.
Recall someone or something that warms your heart. Let the thought bring a smile. Then offer that warmth to the people you meet, where a greeting is welcome and appropriate.
Pay attention. Notice how smiling lifts your mood, and how people light up in response. Smiling is a leadership habit, a kindness practice and a contagious act of optimism.
Try it now. Smile. Say hello. Let your optimism ripple outward.
Read More in "Optimism: The How and Why"
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