How wonderful would it be to walk into your office on Monday morning, or any morning for that matter, and be greeted with a “good morning, how was your weekend?” Thirty-five percent of the dental professionals I speak with express their disappointment in their employers or managers who they work with daily, side by side, knee to knee, who never say good morning or hello or not even a peep throughout the day unless it’s work related. These employees don’t look forward to going to work. They feel no connection. There is a negative buzz around the water cooler, and these employees are always on the lookout for another job with an office culture they think would be a better fit that is engaging and where they are acknowledged, feel of value and recognized. Yes, “good morning” goes a long way!
Making an emotional connection is one of the most important secrets of being a great leader. Your interpersonal skills are critical. Making a human connection is where it’s at, and it will keep your employees happy and around longer. Here are some ways you can better your interpersonal skills.
1. Listen sincerely and make eye contact. Acknowledge the other person when they request your attention. We have busy days and moments with many tasks going on simultaneously. Set guidelines and boundaries for interruption. For example: If you are in the middle of a procedure or on the phone, how do you handle it when an employee wants to speak with you? At the appropriate time, you’ll want to make sure you acknowledge them. As a leader be sure to stop, make eye contact and listen when you are being spoken to. What may not be important to you at that very moment may be extremely important to them. Give them your undivided attention. As a leader, this simple and easy interaction will build value and the team member will remember and go the extra mile for you. Yes, it sounds easy, but it’s the most forgotten of actions by leaders.
2. Your mood effects those around you. If you come in to the office and don’t say a word to anyone, the day is not getting off to a very good start. As a matter of fact, it would probably be a walking-on-eggshells kind of a day for the team. You’re the leader and you set the tone for the day. Leave the negativity on the sidewalk–lay it all out there–as you walk in from your car to the office door. You surely don’t want that negativity to carry through to your team because it will be passed along to your customers. That’s a business’s worst nightmare! We all have the up days and the down days. When the days are down, adjust your schedule if you can and focus on desk work or tasks that are less stressful. Most of the time, when you’re feeling great and rolling along, with the pep in your step, sit up and take notice. Take advantage of the positive and spread the positive emotion with all your connections throughout the office.
3. Introverted? You may love to sit with a book on the weekends and not say a word to anyone. That’s your quiet time. The other 36 hours in the week, you are leading a team and developing relationships while keeping them fed. You are out front, and your energy sets the tone for the day. Say hello and good morning. Remember, it’s not the quantity of your connections, it’s the quality if your connections.
By beginning your day with “good morning,” you are starting it on a positive note. A connection, a glad you’re here and I value you tone of voice. If you acknowledge the team and listen, you are present and great things will happen! A great leader begins with, “Good morning, how are you? “
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