Stephen M. Hannemann

There’s Power in Your Smile

Saturday, January 5th, 2019

We all have heard, “It takes fewer muscles to smile than frown.” Although there are conflicting opinions on the subject, I know I feel better when smiling as opposed to frowning.

Making the Case

We live in a world that is operating at warp speed. Everything now moves at internet speed. Personal contact is on the decline in our workplaces and is being replaced with the new norm – e-mail, live chats, Skype, and texting. I get it, I have had to adapt in my own business. Getting to see a customer face to face anymore is a rarity. My goal in life – trying to help make our world a better place – is becoming more difficult. But there is still time to smile with the people we interact with throughout our day. That was not a typo. I did write “smile with.”

The Connection

So now let me ask the question: How do you feel when someone smiles at you? I know I feel a little lighter and it elicits a smile in response, and I feel good! We all must engage people in our daily lives – work,  shopping, dining, recreation.  Even shut-ins have contact with care givers. So may I be so bold as to challenge you to be the leader?  Smile first!  Make sure it’s genuine. People instantly pick up on a forced smile. When you offer your smile, make eye contact and wait for the response. Connect – and smile with. When you offer a genuine smile, nine times out of ten, you will receive a genuine smile in return. Take it a bit further and make someone’s day memorable. Compliment the person on their smile and again be genuine. “You have a great smile.” Watch their eyes come alive as their spirits are lifted.

The Proof  

I have a couple of short stories regarding smiles: While working as a restaurant manager, I had the opportunity to oversee the waitstaff. One of my most efficient waitresses rarely smiled while taking orders. As it turned out, she was a bit shy and was mostly concerned about getting the patrons orders right. Well, she had the getting orders right down in spades! I complimented her on her efficiency and suggested she might relax a bit more. I told her, “You have a terrific smile, you should use it. It will help you relax and have more fun with the customers.” Over the following month I observed her progress. The customers began engaging her and she truly enjoyed them as well. Her tips increased too!

The second story is about the blessing I received three years ago on the ferry run to the island where my wife Yvonne and I live. I first noticed a woman ferry attendant directing traffic onto the boat. She always seemed to make eye contact with the drivers, flashing her lovely smile. One day, I stopped and rolled down my window and told her, “You have a beautiful smile and it blesses me every time I see it.” She lit up like a Christmas tree, and ever since, she begins waving to us as soon as she recognizes our car. We receive her blessing every time we see her.

The Icing  

I have learned three steps: be genuine, smile, and engage. Just last Sunday evening Yvonne and I walked into a restaurant with a full lobby of waiting customers. The hostess looked up and greeted us with a weary but genuine smile – “Welcome, how many?”  I told her we would seat ourselves in the bar. She thanked us, looking relieved, but still engaged us with her smile. Holding her gaze, I leaned over and told her, “You have a great smile – and beautiful eyes to match.” She brightened, her weariness vanished, and she said, “Sir, you have just made my day!”        

We have no idea where people may be in their life’s walk and your smile may be the one good thing someone may receive today. Bless everyone you meet. The secret of the smile is the connection – make the eye contact. Smile with someone and watch their eyes light up.  Make someone’s day a little bit better – or even memorable.

Stephen

Create a memorable today,

Stephen M. Hannamann –  © 2019. All rights reserved.

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