Your smile matters

In today's world, where stress seems to be an unavoidable companion, we often find ourselves searching for magical solutions to ease the challenges we face. Sometimes, we believe we need grand gestures, impossible solutions, or magic wands to make a difference. However, in the middle of chaos, I have come to realize that sometimes, it's the simplest of gestures that can work wonders, just like a genuine smile.

I have worked in different countries throughout my career, cooperated with various people from different cultures who speak different languages and was involved in very challenging and stressful environments. And I know by experience that a smile is a universal language that goes beyond titles, differences, and difficulties. It breaks down barriers and creates a sense of team spirit among colleagues. A genuine smile has the power to connect us on a human level, reminding us that we are all in this together, trying to achieve common goals.

I have seen firsthand how this simple act can create a domino effect of positivity, transforming even the toughest work environments. Unfortunately, I have also witnessed the opposite and experienced toxic working environments where positive communication and smiling were seen as signs of weakness, resulting in destructive effects on creativity, motivation, and performance. If people stop smiling while entering the door in the morning, we cannot expect them to add value to whatever they do.

So, I believe it is one of the essential duties of leaders and managers to have a positive attitude to lead by example and encourage a culture where positivity is valued. In this way, they can create an environment where team members are not afraid to express their ideas and concerns openly and embrace diversity and empathy.

I am sure you can think of examples from your own experience. For example, as a recruiter who has been part of numerous interviews, which is always a stressful experience both for the candidate and interviewers, I can say that a simple yet powerful gesture, such as a warm smile, can create a positive atmosphere and enhance the interview experience. It will make both parties feel better, more confident, and more relaxed. Imagine yourself walking into a room as a candidate full of smiley faces when you are so stressed to nail the interview and get the job versus sitting in front of people staring at you with no positive gestures! Smiling has a transformative power.

In short, many unfortunate events are occurring in the world and around us, impacting our lives and emotions. It's safe to say that most of these events are far from positive — wars, crises, natural disasters, economic issues, and rapid changes that cause stress. Among all these challenges, I believe that it is our individual responsibility to bring positive influences to one another's lives. Adding more complexity to life won't benefit any of us. Instead, let's make an effort to encourage positivity and share smiles more often.