Better Morning Greetings = Better Teams

Photo by Artem Bryzgalov on Unsplash

Good leadership is the accumulation of small, consistent actions. Often these actions seem inconsequential.

Take morning greetings.

How we greet people may seem like just a formality, but it can be a powerful tool for building relationships, fostering a positive culture, and creating an environment where team members feel valued and supported.

When you take the time to greet team members in the morning, it signals you care about their well-being and value their presence. It creates a friendly and approachable atmosphere where team members feel comfortable interacting with you.

Because leaders are often seen as role models and their behaviour sets the tone for the rest of the team, when you start the day with a positive and energetic greeting, it can inspire your team to approach their work with a similar mindset. It sets the stage for a day filled with optimism and can contribute to a more pleasant work environment.

Morning greetings also break down barriers and create a more relaxed and open atmosphere. This can lead to improved team dynamics by helping people feel comfortable expressing their ideas and collaborating with one another.

They can also serve as informal check-ins, providing you with an opportunity to gauge the mood of your team, address any concerns, and open up lines of communication.

So how do you start greeting with more intentionality?

Try this 60-second TUMS strategy, created by Dr. Laura Riffel, for the education field to start greeting with more intention.

• Touch: Hand shake, high five, fist bump, hug (if appropriate)

• Use their name: A little personal acknowledgement goes a long way

• Make eye contact: Show you care they are there and are listening to them

• Smile: Have a positive impact on them emotionally

Touch might not be for your team (or if you work remotely), but the other three can go a long way.

It doesn't matter how old we are, we all want to feel seen and cared about.

Use this small gesture to build a better workplace.