Wednesday, November 15, 2006

FOR THE WEEK BEGINNING NOVEMBER 13, 2006

INSPIRATION FOR TODAY:
"Miracles: You do not have to look for them. They are there, 24-7,
beaming like radio waves all around you.
Put up the antenna, turn up the volume - snap, crackle...
this just in, every person you talk to is a chance to change the world."
~ Hugh Elliott (Standing Room Only weblog, May 6, 2003)

MAKE WAVES!
Many of us don't often realize the profound effect we can have on the people around us, or vice versa. Consider the common example where you're dining out and being served by a surly waitperson, and it's obvious that he or she doesn't want to be there by an abrupt and sometimes downright rude attitude. Although such an individual may not completely ruin our meal, they can make it unpleasant enough that we skip a second cup of coffee or dessert.

On the other hand, we've had servers who were smiling and friendly, graciously conducting themselves as though it were a genuine pleasure to serve us. We then want to relax and linger (and leave a larger tip).

Every day we have the opportunity to affect others in the same manner. We can create a warm atmosphere for coworkers, friends or family with merely a smile and an overt indication of interest. A friend once related that she goes through the day making a conscious attempt to "connect" with everyone she encounters by asking them something personal about themselves, their families, or their work, and then making eye contact to show genuine attention to their response.

There are many occasions when you can set the tone for someone's entire day with a smile and a display of interest. Then you create a "ripple effect," because the odds are great that if you help put another person in a better frame of mind, they will in turn be uplifted and more likely to be pleasant to the next person they encounter.

It's really a very simple equation that results in making a great many people happier. Not a major "miracle" perhaps, but certainly an opportunity to change things for the better. Try it - and you'll find at the end of the day that you're feeling a great deal happier yourself.

posted by The Office Grapevine at 12:09 AM  

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