Being a good leader has a lot of components, but even something as simple as smiling can be incredibly important. Whether you’re the boss and used to being the leader, or you’re temporarily in charge of a project, or anywhere in between, smiling can get you far. Check out our top 8 reasons why leaders should smile more.
1. Smiling helps people relax.
It’s a fact that people who smile more help those around them feel more relaxed. It indicates that you are pleased with those around you and the work that they are doing. Passing on good feelings via smiling can help others feel less pressured and relieve some of their stress, which ultimately helps productivity. Relaxed people are also more open to new ideas, and are more trusting of those that have made them feel relaxed.
2. Smiling draws people to you.
Smiling indicates to others that you are approachable and nice. Leaders cannot be effective if people don’t like them, so next time you need to get up in front of a group of people, start out by smiling. It will make people more likely to listen to you and be more open to what you have to say. It can help you get what you want without saying a word.
3. Smiling people are happy people.
Leaders don’t always have to smile just for other people–they can also smile because it helps them feel better. Smiling and laughing can help you feel happier and more positive. We can often trick ourselves into feeling an emotion simply by mimicking the actions associated with it. And everyone knows, a happy leader is a good leader.
4. Smiling indicates confidence.
When leaders smile, it indicates that they are capable. Smiling carries a message of confidence with it. If you’re not totally confident about something but need to do it anyway, just “fake it ’til you make it.” Force a confident smile, and the confidence will soon become a reality.
5. Smiling can act as a reward.
Smiling lets others know that you’re pleased with them. Good leaders let people know that they’re doing a good job in various ways, but an easy way to do it is to smile. A smile indicates that you care and have noticed the outcome of someone’s hard work, and it is an easy and simple thing to do. Everyone benefits.
6. Smiling creates good work culture.
Having a positive culture in the workplace is always good. Not only does it make for more efficient and more in sync workers, but it also makes people happier with their work situation and their leadership. Just the simple act of smiling can leave people feeling happier and more positive throughout the day.
7. Smiling can help seal the deal.
Leaders have a lot of roles, and one of those is attracting business, whether it be for a company, a campaign, or a project. As a leader, you want people to want to help you, and they’re more likely to feel that way if they feel happy. Flash a quick and genuine smile, and people are much more likely to give you what you’re asking for. At the end of the day, a smile can mean the difference between a deal or no deal.
8. Smiling can have a domino effect.
When people are smiled at, it generally elevates their mood and makes them want to pass on the positive vibes. Smiling at people can encourage the spreading of that behavior around the office. This tends to make people trust and like each other more, and workers that are in tune with one another is the key to being the leader of a well-oiled operation.
Featured photo credit: Wen Nag via photopin.com
