Smile Please! ??

Hello everyone. Welcome to the December 2023 edition of the newsletter. As I had just taken up a new role, haven’t got enough time to write and have to keep it brief. ??

As we transition into the new year, wanted to reinforce it for myself (even more than anyone else!) to use an arsenal we almost have in abundance - but seem to use sparingly!

Personal Journey

Throughout my younger days, I have always been perceived as a “serious” kid. Too focussed on studies and no other avocation. My quiet body language doesn’t help either.

It is well into college I realised the importance of keeping things light. It helped foster friendships, look at the world beyond the lens of maths and science. ?? Though the tag of being “serious” (and even “boring”) has never ever left me. Someone who meets me for the first time - will still feel the same.

It was well after 5 years of working, after observing a lot of seniors - did I realise the use of a smile as an “arsenal”.

Fill Positivity

Why is Smile an arsenal? It is like a small seedling that can sprout and create an entire forest. It can create ripples and spirals of positivity around you.

A leader smiling at his/her teammates gives them a sense of belonging and assurance.

A smile while wishing the security guard you pass by or the person serving you food - is worth a lot more than a monetary tip.

As social beings, sub-consciously, it helps people feel more meaning to their lives.

The “Colonial Cousins” video of “Krishna Nee Begane Baro” though starts as a serious subject - ends with a lot of hope and positivity for the world.

The Desi Feel

Having predominantly worked in Indian companies, the importance of a smile and keeping things light had become even more evident.

Have you ever noticed - in India, both in social / corporate circles, we can even scold a person in jest - people wouldn’t mind. But tell anyone a word wrong seriously, all hell could break loose.

Imagine “Yaar, itna bekaar kaam kaise kar sakte ho?” with a smile or “What is wrong with you” in a serious tone. How would you react? ??

Observing various types of personalities in Indian organisations, I see a particular kind who seem to be a step ahead of the others. Those leaders who can keep the environment light & fun while ensuring the team delivers their best! A mix of anger and jest seems to work better than a formal monotonous tone.

Many also use a smile as a charm to “disarm” anyone. It is very difficult to get angry on someone who is wearing a pleasant smile (not a sarcastic one ??)

Feel Genuine

Though smiling is important, it has to be heartfelt. Smiling all the time while being “scheming” on the inside - will soon run out of luck.

It is like a marketing campaign. Smile could be like a big splashy TV ad about a very innovative product, but the real product has to genuinely reinforce the same. Else, it will fail eventually.

The Takeaways

Today’s topic is probably one of the most obvious ones. But like I mentioned in the beginning, everyone knows it, it is in abundance but we don’t use it enough.

Keep smiling, fill the world with positivity and have a great new year ahead! See you soon! ??