Smile

It’s amazing the power a smile can have.  I think I went through my first 20 years trying to hide my smile because I thought it showed weakness.  I wanted to show strength and toughness, and a smile was just too nice.

But I learned through time and trial and error that a smile is a lot tougher than muscles or scowls.  A smile can open doors.  A smile can change souls.  All strength does is harden hearts and close doors.  You may be able to force your way through some doors, you may be able to change minds through force and intimidation, but in the end that is not a final solution.  Just a temporary fix.  The door you pushed through is still going to be closed to you next time, probably more so.  A smile can open it up, and keep it open forever.

It comes down to two different styles of leadership and dealing with people – do you want to be the type of leader that dictates and forces compliance, or the type who builds capacity based on respect and relationships, and then dictates – and compliance comes naturally and organically because of that respect and relationships.

Just smile.  Have a positive attitude in all things.  Then people will not only start opening doors, they will hold them open for you and offer to help you pass through them.