HelloHello!  Have you heard about the “Just Say Hello” Campaign from Oprah, and O, The Oprah Magazine?  It’s a simple premise that can have a big impact.

 

According to Dr. Sanjay Gupta, “Experts estimate that at least one in five people are suffers from loneliness.”  Lonely people more susceptible to memory loss, physical pain, stress, heart disease, and are more likely to die younger.1 Yikes!!

 

This morning, as I went about my normal routine, I thought about all the opportunities I have to engage with others in my community and at work on a daily basis.

 

I’ve been lucky to live in a few large cities.  In Atlanta, just about everyone greets you as you walk by or waves as they pass by in their car.  People in San Francisco are laid back and approachable. I came to New York City with a preconceived notion about New Yorkers.  Thankfully, I was wrong.  New Yorkers are reserved but incredibly friendly. I see it every day when they offer to help tourists find their way or when they surrender their seat on the bus or subway.  Those small gestures make a big difference to those on the receiving end.

 

What about your workplace? How often do you walk by someone without acknowledging them?  There are occasions when we are in a hurry or focused on some pressing issue.  We need to make an effort to be present at all times. It helps us know we aren’t alone and gives us the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. What about your direct reports? Do you spend all your time at your desk or do you make an effort to be visible? Check in with them at least once a day and acknowledge them whenever possible throughout the course of the day. The first step to employee engagement is “Hello!”

 

I invite you to take a look at the Just Say Hello Campaign Video1 and then go make a difference someone’s life.

 

Just say “Hello” to those you come in contact with each day.  You may know these people, know of them, or they could be complete strangers. Don’t limit yourself to just those at your company. Expand this campaign into your community. Engagement starts with vulnerability; the willingness to reach out to someone. It is easier than you think.

 

Hello!  What is your favorite “Just Say Hello” encounter? What did you find most surprising? What tips can you share on ways to engage others?

 

1 Winfrey, Oprah. “Join Our Campaign to Just Say Hello.” Oprah.com. Oprah.com, 18 February 2014. Website. 19 February 2014.

 

 

P.S. – First time here? Welcome to the Agent In Engagement site. Thanks for taking the time to stop by!  I hope you’ll explore the rest of the site. Let me know what employee engagement topics interest you.

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like…

 

 

Let’s Get Engaged!

I’m Agent in Engagement Simpson…Gregory Simpson.

As an Agent in Engagement, my mission is to rid the world of bad and ineffective managers.  I help companies and their employees succeed by focusing on how frontline and middle managers engage, manage, and develop their direct reports.

After years in the field, the consulting field, where I was honored for my employee engagement achievements with Fortune 150 clients, I’m looking forward to returning to headquarters where I’ll continue to pursue my directive to improve employee engagement.

 

I’m excited about this opportunity to connect with fellow “Agents.” Subscribe to the RSS Feed to receive the latest updates and/or register  to comment on posts.

You can follow me @agtinengagement, email me at g…@a…t.com or learn more about me at www.gregoryfsimpson.com.