The Difference of a Smile
Lynn Hazan
President- Lynn Hazan & Assoc, Relationship & Storytelling Recruiter in Communications & Marketing, Career Consultant, Speaker, Storyteller, Interactive Presenter. 3 Time Performer: Story Slam, 2024 Networlding Winner
The power of a smile
A smile, it's such a small gesture, yet it carries so much weight. I like to spread a little cheer by smiling at everyone I cross paths with, whether they're familiar faces or strangers. It's incredible how much of a difference it can make in someone's day.
Let me take you back to last year when I was studying abroad in Florence, Italy. It was an incredible experience, but it wasn't without its challenges. One of the things I noticed immediately was that people there were not very big on exchanging smiles with strangers. It was initially unsettling, not knowing how to navigate those passing moments on the street. I'd instinctively lift my gaze and flash a slight grin, and more often than not, I was met with blank stares or averted eyes.
It took some time to adjust, and eventually, I couldn't resist the urge to share my grin again. Do you know what? After a few weeks of persisting, I started to see a change. Some people began to return this gesture, and that felt incredible. It was like a tiny ripple effect of positivity spreading through the city of Florence.
Impact of a smile
That simple act of smiling brightened someone else's day, and made me feel more connected to the city. Being thousands of miles away from home, with no familiar faces around, I struggled with feeling a sense of belonging. Those exchanged glances made me realize that even in a foreign land, I could find a sense of community through such a simple gesture.
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While it might not have been in a professional setting, that experience taught me a valuable lesson about the power of a smile. It showed me that even in unfamiliarity, something this small can bridge the gap and make you feel right at home.
A smile in the workplace
When working in an office, the power of a smile is just as important. Putting a new look on your face, even if it’s small, can show both clients and coworkers that you are someone they can talk to. This small gesture shows what type of person you are and that others can feel comfortable. While where you work may not be thousands of miles away, it can still be hard to feel like you belong. A smile can be the thing that bridges the gap between being uncomfortable and feeling like someone is where they are meant to be.
Ellie Zeppelin , Intern Lynn Hazan & Associates
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