A discussion about business ethics, character traits, integrity, and values

For me happiness is having a friend who has integrity, like you, John. I love that you wrote about this. Happiness is definantly serving and loving others. You hit the nail on the head. We can never be so filled than if we are doing those two things. I can't remember exactly when I decided secretly in my heart to make this a goal, but I did and it has made all the difference in my vantage point. When I go out, I make a concerted effort to smile at others around me and feel the happiness I have within. It's great, because like you said, hardly any one smiles or seems happy anymore. So why not be original and be happy? Besides studies have proven that smiling faces are more attractive than non-smiling faces.

I guess the quickest example for me is that I have become friendly with the greeters at Wal-Mart. I used to ignore them, because greeting me is phony and their true purpose is shrinkage control - they are there to stop me from shoplifting. But I've made a concerted effort to look them in the eye and smile and say something. They have a tough job, and I think they appreciate a nod and a kind word. Just like the rest of us.

John, your article rings true to me. As a manager I am sometimes awed by how much my attitude or happiness level on any given day affects not only the rest of the staff but our patients as well. If I'm having a bad day and it shows, everyone's day dips down a little. I don't know if it has to do with my position of if I have a strong personality that oozes over everyone else, but I try very hard to keep my bad mood to myself and be happy. The benefit...pretty soon I'm not pretending anymore. Acting as if can make it real.
Linda

Thanks Linda. What you say is true, unless we are Branson performers, our attitudes usually show in what we do and affect others. You've reminded me of a valuable concept, the "as if" principle. If we act "as if" we soon will be.