Why does no one care to ask?

A simple “How are you?” in a quick passing interaction goes a long way. You have no idea how such a simple question can light up someone’s day.

I was grocery shopping recently at a Safeway in my neighbourhood. As per usual, the cashiers work super hard. They greet the customer, then start scanning their items, then check out for the customer, and the customer makes payment.

This kind of work may appear mundane for most. However, those who take on this work possess immense patience, generosity, and attentiveness. Naturally, by handling your transactions, they have taken care of your daily needs.

Yet, how often, as shoppers, we overlook such details… how frequent we rush in to shop, pay, and leave in a flash… and how many times may we be oblivious to those who help us! Although the work of a cashier may seem mundane, they can slip into automatic mode just as easily as customers may not notice their assistance. To be fair, everyone’s work, whether in a workplace or at home, becomes mundane over time, and we begin to operate in automatic ways like a pre-programmed robot.

So, how about interrupting their day with a friendly smile; or better yet, a simple question like “How are you?” Yes, that one day, I encountered a young trainee cashier that helped me check out. I intentionally asked, “how are you?” Her expression immediately turned from a plain blank look to all smiles. She was very happy that I asked how she was. In fact, she shared that no one has asked her how she is since she started working there a month ago. In cases like this, I am not proud to admit I am the first; nevertheless, I got to be the first.

I encourage all of us to not let anyone “check out” on the job… no pun intended! Interrupt someone’s day by simply asking, “how are you?” Perhaps, be ready to spice up the verbal exchange with an exciting response that could be less curt, dull, or common, like “Great” or “Not bad.” Make your response to “how are you” fun, interesting, curious, and intriguing. Oh! This would make another blogpost another time… 😊

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If you missed our blogpost from last week on finding flow, be sure to click on the following title to check out “Mother Earth”.

I help my clients discover joy and find flow. If you feel there is anything that is holding you back in finding flow in your daily life — whether that may be leading and motivating your team at work, or taking your business to the next level, or it may be finding it challenging to go out and socialize — as your coach, I can provide a process that will connect you with your strengths and your true capacities to move forward.

If there’s something that you’d like to bring into your life, I’d like to help you!

Connect with me via email to book your free consultation today.

Till next time…

Find your flow. Find your freedom.

~ Audra ~