Smiling - Ear to Ear....

This is a sensation that most of us would be familiar with at some point in time or other, in our lives. I still remember when I won a medal in the 100 metres race in high school (this was out of my comfort zone), I am certain my radiant smile would have dazzled anybody then – the pure unadulterated joy!

If you have kids, you would have seen this dazzling smile that makes your day (I don't have kids myself but I have seen proud parents light up instantly when their kids have this beatific smile on their faces). 

Your memo has been circulated by your boss to the entire organization; Your win has been acknowledged by the CEO; Your work has been recognized as the most innovative in the organization; You have been held up as a model co-worker; Your girlfriend accepted your proposal of marriage/your boyfriend proposed at last; Basically your individual worth has been validated and more importantly accepted – yay!!!

What comes along with this smile is the elated feeling of being on top of the world, anything is possible and also a small thought – I must be looking stupid smiling like this! Others would think I am an arrogant b******, so stop smiling….and we try hard to contain that smile.

This feeling of acceptance is such a powerful stimulant and yet, adulteration is creeping in even there! It is an interesting paradox that while all of us want to be recognized and accepted, most of us donot know where to look or what to say when being acknowledged - the automatic reaction is to play small. 

Imagine the immense opportunity when the spotlight is on you! How can you handle being in the spotlight from your true authentic self without appearing arrogant and also without losing that radiant smile?

Many of my discussions with my clients do focus on acknowledgements - both receiving and giving acknowledgements from a place of authenticity, because that is such a powerful tool for a leader. There is this dilemma that leaders have 'how do you recognize the thin line when acknowledgements go into the territory of overuse/abuse and hence loses its meaning for the giver and the recipient'. (My next blog will look into acknowledgements more deeply).

I like to say acknowledgements are positive energy creators. Whenever you receive an acknowledgement, your first reaction is to do better and with that feeling of walking tall, being confident, you actually DO some of your best work then, and that ear to ear smile is so contagious – spreads the positive energy to others as well. And if receiving acknowledgements is so fulfilling, why not practice giving it as well, once more from a genuine authentic place? Try it on friends and family today....

I am told, we live in a superstitious society where being too happy is a prelude to disaster or celebrating acknowledgements makes us arrogant! Hmm, what is true here?