From Pleasantries to Purpose: Elevating Everyday Workplace Conversations

Do you know what inspires me most? Creating space for authenticity in the workplace.

One of my favorite ways to introduce organic authenticity is through the often well-intended but frequently overlooked greeting we all use: "Hello, how are you?" Whether we ask this as our unified standard greeting or out of habit, this question deserves more than the quick, rhetorical response we are accustomed to giving and receiving. So, it's time to shake our greeting up!

Grab your favorite pair of work shoes, and let's mentally walk together to enter your workplace.

Take a moment to envision yourself entering your workspace on a Monday morning. What are you wearing? How are you feeling? What are you carrying in your hands?

If you are me, then you might be juggling an iced beverage in one hand and a tan tote bag from the TikTok shop that targeted you in the other as you think about the Netflix documentary "Buy Now: The Shopping Conspiracy" and vow to analyze your internal lens on supporting Fast Fashion, the science behind marketing products, and where the waste for these products ends up on our planet. You feel confident in the workweek as you silently repeat your positive affirmations and intentions and try not to fixate that your iced beverage color looks a few shades lighter than its ordinarily rich caramel color.

As you round a corner, approaching from down a hallway, you immediately recognize a friendly and familiar face that you see relatively frequently but don't interact with consistently due to them working in a separate department, being hybrid, or genuinely not knowing them beyond the dance of performing exchanged pleasantries over time. As soon as the familiar face is in your sight, your smile rises, and you feel the shape of that familiar default question rising to your mouth. Still, the friendly face beats you to it: "Hello, how are you"? They ask with a polite half smile, to which you will typically respond with a combination of an adjective and an Uno reverse card with their exact question. Then, you both walk past one another, thus ending this episode of "Hallway Hellos: A Lack of Connection."

This isn't to say the questioner doesn't genuinely desire to know how you are, but sometimes, we all get caught up in the song and dance of asking questions out of habit and not asking questions to listen and connect. We've all been there, and it's okay. We're in this together.? ?

How can we, as professionals, redirect our well-intended energies to foster more authentic conversations and connections?

Instead of sticking with "How are you"? I recommend trying these engaging alternatives

If asking these questions feels daunting, consider adjusting your approach to "How are you?":

• When you reach the person you are greeting, pause and make eye contact to show you genuinely care
• Use a friendly and conversational tone
• Take your time; ask the question with intention and sincerity.
• Sprinkle in positivity with phrases like, "I'm glad to see you!" or "Thanks for chatting with me today."

Authenticity starts with candor, so be unapologetically candid in your conversations, empowering yourself and others to be more open and honest! Chat about the cheese pull on Chili's Mozzarella Sticks, your Spotify Wrapped for the Year, or show photos of your cool dog named "Muffins"!

Conversations surrounding authenticity are multidimensional and continuously changing. As we learn to express ourselves, extend boundaries, and share authentic experiences, we can foster a more connected workplace. Our journey is about connection, growth, and learning together!

Your voice matters in this conversation. I invite you to share your journey with authenticity—what strategies have worked well for you? What challenges have you faced? Let's engage in this conversation together and learn from one another!

Note: This is a friendly reminder that authentic communication involves asking thoughtful questions and tailoring them based on your relationship with the person and the context of your conversation. This shows respect and consideration, enhancing the quality of your interactions and fostering a more positive workplace environment.