Hello? Can we start greeting each other?
As a self-assigned greetingologist, I’m writing to raise an alarm.
Too many people seem unwilling to say hello. They don’t initiate a greeting, or when it comes their way, they respond with silence.
What gives?
I’ve done years of field research as a frequent jogger. I make a point of saying hello to everyone I pass on the trail. Some people say hello in response, but more than half stay silent.
In fairness, probably half of these non-responders are lost in thought, or they’re unable to hear over their headphones. But what about the others? Could it be that one out of four people hear my hello but choose to ignore me?
It’s true that after seven or so miles of sweaty running, I look a bit rough around the edges. But it’s not like I’m wearing a goalie mask or carrying a hatchet. I’m just an everyday guy saying hello. Can’t I get a simple hello in return?
Recently, I’ve been tempted to shut down and stop being the first to say hello. Then I think about my friend Eric and his hallway-greeting breakthrough.
Passing his new director in the hallway one day, Eric said hello — and got back nothing. He tried again the next day — and got back nothing again. He persisted, and on the third day, the director responded with a faint hello.
Then a miracle happened. The next week, the director saw Eric and was the first to say hello. They began to stop and chat. Within a month, they were having full-scale conversations. They’ve gone on to become close colleagues.
Thank goodness my friend stuck with his hellos.
I’ll continue to be a frequent greeter as well, and I hope you will too. It’s our fastest and easiest way to facilitate humanity.
Tom, You continue to hit the “target.” When will folks realize that “recognition” is one of the keys to a meaningful workplace. And, it doesn’t cost the company a penny! Many companies believe that they have to shell out more money to make staff happy; or they have to hire more people. If a staff member’s motivation is driven by money, good luck in keeping them happy which often leads to that person become a “team destroyer”, spewing negatives all of the time.
Keep up the great work. Pat
The other day I went to the bank and the cashier and I were discussing the topic of, guess what? The weather. Long story short we ended up in laughter because of our silly moaning and complaining. At the end of the conversation I said, “Thank you for the laughter”. It was just that 3 minute transaction that made both of us smile and have a jolly laugh. I left feeling happy and relaxed for my long drive home. So my point is, take a few extra minutes to say hello and take your mind off of yourself for a minute. We both benefited. Thank you. Karen
I read a story about a person who was living in a large city; they felt so alone and on the outside even though there were millions of people who also lived there. They wondered – ‘how do you meet a new person?’ They were perplexed by this for many years until one day, they suddenly realized that you just need to say ‘hello’. They may ignore you or become your best friend. The possibility of that made the one word wothwhile .
Great post! I speak to everyone just out of common courtesy. It can be intimidating to some, yet it is refreshing to others. Most people who don’t speak are simply in a hurry and focused on one thing.