Many successful people believe that the power of small things contributes to their success. In our interactions with others, whether in our personal or professional lives, it’s the small things that tend to show who we are. What we do and what we say speak to our purpose, and help shape our exchanges with our peers.
I recently visited my favorite grocery store, and one of the checkout clerks, who I see there often, was helping me through the self checkout line; I was having some trouble with the scanner. He happened to mention, as he was helping me, that he was having a particularly difficult time lately relating to his immediate supervisor, and that he’d considered leaving. I expressed some surprise at this, since he’s been a bit of a fixture there for some time. What he said next really captured my attention.
“It’s because of people like you that I’m still here” he said. “Every time you come in, you smile and say hello. I look forward to that smile and that little bit of chit chat we have when you come in. There are a few customers like you that I really look forward to seeing, and that’s why I’m staying.” I thanked him for that comment, and that exchange hasn’t left me since.
We really don’t know how we impact those around us on a daily basis, unless we stop to think how others impact us. A smile, a friendly greeting, even a sincere compliment can affect someone’s entire day or entire outlook. How much more memorable will you be when you take the time to reach out, even in a small way, to those around you?
Living our purpose as we engage with others drives benefits for everyone.