Tip 630: Engage With Strangers

From the Leadership Workshops: Engaging Others

A springtime challenge for you: As you walk down the sidewalk, as you wander the Home Depot aisles, as you move through the office, make eye contact with everyone you meet, smile (whether you’re wearing a mask or not), and say “Hello!” Or “Good morning!” (Or “Good afternoon!”)   

Engage. 

It takes little time and costs no money to make eye contact, smile, and engage. 

More than forty years ago, I was on a morning run. New sweatshirt. New sweatpants. I felt good. At about the three-mile mark, I met an oncoming runner. As we passed, the other runner said, “Hey! Nice sweats.” 

I still remember that encounter. From more than forty years ago.  

Elie Wiesel said, “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” 

Dale Carnegie said, “Three-fourths of the people you will meet tomorrow are hungering and thirsting for sympathy. Give it to them, and they will love you.”

You’re a leader. Take the lead. Make a difference. Engage with others. Surprise them. 

We love this stuff.