I was speaking at a conference the other day and something funny happened during the lunch break. As we all made our way to the lobby, everyone gathered around the buffet table in a circle, waiting. I was the last to arrive and wasn’t sure what the waiting was about. Was lunch still being set up? Was this not our group’s food? Were we waiting for someone to arrive? Everyone was clearly hungry and ravishing the food with their eyes, but no one made a move. Finally, a gentleman from the group approached the table and confidently declared, “Oh great, lunch time!” He picked up a plate and dug in. The flood gates were openned and everyone decended upon the food.
I remember the same behavior at my junior high dances. We all went to the dance and stood around until some brave guy and girl would step onto the dance floor. As soon as they were there, everyone followed.
People can be shy, especially when they aren’t sure about the appropriate social protocol. What they need is a leader, someone to go first and establish the social protocol.
Don’t be afraid to go first. Chances are, when you do, everyone else will follow.
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- How To Give A Good Compliment
- Encouraging Ongoing Improvement
