Global Leadership Incentive

The simple act of saying “Hi” in the workplace.

From early on in our lives we constantly enter new groups or receive new members into the group that we are already in. What not so uncommonly occurs is insecurity in many dimensions.

The new employee entering a new company with the challenge to learn everyones name on the first day, which I think we should all socially agree that it is almost impossible. What needs to be understood is that new employee is most likely just trying to navigate her emotional energy within this new environment in which she just stepped into. So remembering 20 co-workers names at that moment seems unrealistic, but should be practiced. The onus does however fall on the employees welcoming their new colleague with a firm, trustful, eye contact handshake followed by a short introduction of his or herself. As oneself would have wanted to be welcomed, aka The Golden Rule. This should always include words of encouragement such as “Happy to have you here!”, “Welcome to the team!”, “Happy to help with anything you need” etc… Most might think instinctively that this falls on the top management. However if you picture yourself walking into a new environment or group, call it a new office for example. You step through the new office doors, make your way up the elevator to find your way to your new desk (which might be tough to do in itself on the first day), what most likely will happen is that you will have numerous potential interactions before a so called top manager reaches you. Already there your company or team have excellent opportunity to create a person feel welcome, create and build relationships as soon as someone enters the door, which in turn becomes habitual to your employers, which in its own practice becomes a way of being and culture that naturally flows through the DNA of the team. A culture of welcoming, trust, respect and an openness to being able to be oneself without judgment. This will lead to more creativity, a big ingredient in “team work makes the dream work”.

The Second Importance of Saying “Hi”

In a traditional top – down leadership model where there is a clear hierarchy board>CEO>Advisors>Directors etc. Or Owner>President of Operation>GM>Asst GM… all the way down to the interns. What becomes especially important for top management is the simple act of greeting your employees in the morning or respectfully acknowledging everyone throughout the day. It can be argued that humility is one of the absolutes within the quality of a great leader.

We coach both the human and the employee. The human and the athlete. The human and the chef. The human and the soldier.

It is not often an easy thing to do. How many times have we all taken an awkward elevator ride without any eye contact with our fellow strangers. Although I believe this weird phenomenon we have created will only become stranger given we will all soon walk around with AI goggles on. But perhaps it is a great opportunity for you to practice an advanced leadership skill?

Embrace the uniqueness of the people that you work with an open mind and let the creative symmetry take over your problem solving.

It all starts with a greeting.

Hi,

OD, Editor