Make a Difference (Part 1)

Making a difference in the world doesn't actually have to be committing to volunteering and donating within your community. As most of us are swept up in our hectic lives, it seems more reasonable to focus our efforts on where we spend our time - making a difference in our workplace. This doesn't necessarily mean you have to start working hard or longer, rather, commit to small changes that are made by being aware of your environment and how your presence change things. Sometimes, these smaller efforts are the best way to have an impact or your work world.

Let's start with the idea that you don't have to be in the service industry to reap the benefit of being courteous and polite. So often we overlook our attitudes as we are swept away in our workload, and we forget that cheer and manners aren't just something that should be put off. Everyone is cheered by a little honest friendliness. The trick is not to strain yourself, as people are turned off by false politeness even if they don't consciously register it. If it isn't easy for you, start small with a little extra eye contact when thanking someone for a favor, and move forward from there. Also remember its okay to break yourself from your work every once in a while to take the time to connect with your fellow employees, even if it's just a quick wave and a brief chat. More importantly, approach the situation openly, sometime work is a good topic if they are in a good mood, but other times it's just nice to pull away to a topic that doesn't involve stress.