Be Present and Pleasant

I was dealing with a business recently and the person behind the counter was working through some details for me. It was early in the morning and the rest of the team were just coming in. As each team member passed this person, they acknowledged each other with a handshake, a fist bump or a pat on the back. No impact on my service, just the genuine feelings of a team seeing each other for the first time that day and getting on with the job. It told me a lot about their culture.

I loved seeing it and it just reminded me of the importance of the small human acts, such as simply acknowledging each other. In our fast-paced work environments, it's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of tasks and deadlines, but we should never forget the power of simple human connections.

A warm greeting, a gentle gibe, a friendly nod, or a quick check-in can transform the workplace atmosphere. Even taking the briefest moment to just acknowledge a job well done can positively impact someone’s whole day if not week. These small interactions bring humanity into our daily routines, reminding us that we are more than just our roles or to-do lists.

Particularly important for leaders to do this across the organisation as they go about their day as it sets the tone for the whole environment. It’s a real red flag when I see leaders walking around a business in their own groups, tied up with their own importance and not acknowledging those around them.

By being present and pleasant (I’m quietly pleased with that phrasing..), we foster a culture of respect and support. Acknowledging colleagues at the start of the day or as we pass by can create a ripple effect of positivity, strengthening relationships and enhancing collaboration. It’s not about grand gestures, just a moment of connection that says, "I see you, and I value you."

Let's remember that it's not all busyness and business (again with the phrasing..) and getting lost in our jobs. We have a basic  human need to be acknowledged and to know that our presence makes a difference. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact we can make is through these small, authentic moments of acknowledgement, recognition or kindness. They can turn an ordinary workday into something much more fulfilling.