“You had me at hello.”
– Dorothy, Jerry Maguire
Would Jerry have gotten Dorothy back if he had said “Howdy” when he walked in the door in the 1996 film Jerry Maguire? For that matter, would Kenny Chesney have gotten a chart-topper with a song titled, “You Had Me From Hiya”? Would millions of little girls adorn their belongings with a Japanese cat if it were called “G’Day Kitty”? If Adele had serenaded her ex-lover just by saying “hey,” would he have really gotten the message? Would Lionel Richie have won the 1983 Grammy Song of the Year for a song titled “Hi”? Or would “Good Morning, Dolly” have been a 1964 Broadway hit?
Hello. It’s a simple but powerful word. As a way to connect with another person, “hello” is an effortless form of social interaction that can reap big rewards. Saying hello to friends, customers, coworkers, and employees is a way to express kindness and build connection with others.
Creating a Positive Workplace Culture
The power of a simple hello lies in the fact that it implies friendliness and asks for nothing in return. In the workplace, it helps to cultivate relationships. Relationships are the foundation of a positive workplace culture.
At Workplace Rewards, we practice this simple act each day. One of our coworkers, Matt, is a rock star in this regard. Each day he’s in the office, he is intentional about greeting everyone he comes in contact with – saying hello, giving high-fives, shaking hands, or simply smiling in welcome. In this way, Matt develops relationships with co-workers, getting to know them on a personal level.
Of all the decisions or the behaviors encouraged by management, Matt got the most positive feedback in relation to establishing the mood in the room. The simple, intentional act of saying hello helps to create a welcoming environment. This plays into the essence of our office culture. A workplace built on relationships allows individuals to feel comfortable being themselves and creates an atmosphere of teamwork and camaraderie.
10 Ways to Say Hello
It’s not hard to create a positive workplace culture founded on a simple hello. As long as it’s genuine, saying hello is a quick and easy way to break through and establish real connection with co-workers. Here are ten easy ways to say hello:
- Simply say hello
- A smile
- A wave
- A nod
- High five
- Fist bump
- Send a greeting card by snail mail
- Make a phone call to just say hello
- Send a special message via social media
- Send a greeting via text message
Building relationships with your coworkers can help you to feel more comfortable and productive during the workday. Saying “hello” helps others to feel recognized and validated. Such a kindness never loses its effectiveness and can be the beginning of a powerful, positive workplace culture.