I am fascinated by people. More than that, especially since I started my career, I like to watch body language, how people carry themselves, how people dress, posture, how people communicate when things go well, how they communicate in tougher times, and so on.

There is one habit I dislike, a lot. A simple good morning or hello can make someone’s day, can make a team less defensive on a Monday morning, can send a jolt of serotonin into the blood stream, and yet, so many leaders, managers, and employees don’t say hello or good morning. I have an issue with that.

Now, I know that not everyone’s a morning person, and it’s hard to be happy every day of the week. And I’m not saying to strike up a full conversation before you’ve had your double mochaccino. But saying hello is not only common courtesy, it’s respectful and makes the other person feel good.

Is Saying Good Morning Really That Hard?

And I’m not even advocating to go out of your way to say good morning to every co-worker, every day. What I’m advocating for is to say good morning to your team, your boss, those near your office or desk, the receptionist, or those you run into on your office coffee run.

Still on the fence?

Here Are Some Reasons You Should Say Hello in the Morning:

• Increases positive energy
• Can help you make a friend, or at the very least, get to know someone, as it could spark a further conversation
• You’ll be perceived as positive, and that is huge
• We’re living in an altruistic society (you can challenge me on that, but I’ve never heard so many people talking about purpose and value as today’s generation does), so saying good morning to someone could make their day, and it will likely make them smile and feel welcomed and appreciated
• Smiling is contagious – usually when you say hello, you will naturally smile, and they will likely smile right back at you. Try it.
• Help them, help you: at one point, that person you’ve been saying hello to for the last 3 months, will help you on a project. And maybe she’ll work a little extra because you’re such a positive and nice person.

Does Your CEO Say Good Morning? When He Does, Does It Make Your Day?

Imagine working in an office and your CEO comes in, and doesn’t say hello to anyone, not even the receptionist? That would surely create a culture of negativity, standoffishness, and potentially selfishness. Now imagine a CEO who comes in, says quick hellos to everyone he runs into, asks someone how their weekend was, and then gets to work. Doesn’t that feel like a more welcoming environment?

We all have bad days. Heck, I know I can have them. And on those days, you just want to keep to yourself. And those may be the days you yourself need a good morning boost, a quick hello from someone else. Keep that in mind, and pay it forward. The effort and investment to say good morning is minimal, but the feelings of warmth, positivity, and comradery can last for hours on end.

So the next time you have the opportunity to make someone’s morning, will you?