By Joseph Sciulli, CAPP
One of the best gifts to give this season is a sincere smile. And an equally sincere “Thank you” and “You’re welcome.”
A sincere smile is a powerful thing. It has immense power to change someone’s day for the better. But it can be hard to really mean it sometimes, especially when we’re in a rush. And who isn’t in a rush these days?
Likewise with thank-you and you’re-welcome. Basic manners we were taught as children. Words often said but not always meant. But when seasoned with a sincere smile, true engagement can occur.
A smile is like a breeze that can uplift a spirit in an instant, the way no spoken word can. To quote St. Theresa of Calcutta, “Peace begins with a smile.”
So especially during this harried season when we can become too frustrated too quickly and easily, I submit the humble smile as our personal holiday stop sign. It can help us slow down, stop, and appreciate the people we encounter in our many daily intersections: customers, co-workers, strangers, and family.
Chances are, your smile will make another’s trip through the holidays-and your own-more enjoyable and more peaceful.
Happy holidays!
Joseph Sciulli, CAPP, is vice president and senior operations consultant at CHANCE Management Advisors, Inc.