ART OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
Do you know the Art of Acknowledgment?
Have you ever walked into a room and felt invisible because no one looked your way? We are all guilty of ignoring the people around us because we are absorbed in our technology or mental to-do lists. Our failure to really see others is isolating and it robs us of crucial opportunities to connect. Acknowledging others is one of the easiest and most powerful ways we can connect and build relationships.
The Art of Acknowledgment in three easy steps:
- Make Eye Contact. Eye contact is powerful. It communicates respect and opens the door to connection.
- Smile! Smiling stimulates the brain’s reward mechanisms. The most powerful smile engages both the mouth and the eyes.
- Nod or Say “Hello”. It is not always possible or appropriate to verbally greet people. When silence is golden, a happy nod respectfully acknowledges others.
Sound too easy to work? Don’t take our word for it! A large healthcare organization, Louisiana Ochsner Health System, implemented the “Ochsner 10/5 Way” where employees were required to make eye contact and smile if they were within 10 feet of someone, and say hello if they were within 5 feet. When the policy came into effect, Ochsner watched civility spread. Patient satisfaction scores rose as did patient referrals—all from the Art of Acknowledgment!
Everyone craves to be seen. Do you honor people just for being people by simply acknowledging those you meet? Maya Angelou famously said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Who will you see today?
