Never underestimate the power of what might seem at the time to be an insignificant moment of human connection. If this interaction is with someone who is not known to be particularly friendly, all the better.
We tend to downplay the importance of these moments and yet my experience tells me this is a big mistake. Full disclosure: I am as guilty of this as the next person, so I have to periodically remind myself as well.
What, exactly am I talking about? Just this: smile when you meet someone, say hello, communicate that you are genuinely glad to see this person and that they are important. Seems kind of simple and inconsequential, no?
Well, it turns out that it’s not. Sometimes, the person you had this simple interaction with will actually reach out and thank you days later. It can be a bit humbling and moving to realize you have this kind of power at your fingertips and don’t routinely use it.