A few weeks or so ago, a colleague of mine asked me what song I was whistling as I walked by her office. As I recall, it was Jennifer Lopez’s “On the Floor,” but as much as I like that song, it doesn’t matter what I was whistling. What really matters is that the occasional whistling I do around the office had caught her attention and made me think twice about just how much our body language says, for better or worse, to those around us.
Whistling, of course, is usually a sign of happiness and a cheerful disposition. Even though I do it almost without realizing it, I don’t think I’d be able to whistle if I wasn’t feeling good about something. In fact, it’s almost impossible to whistle with a frown on your face.
And like smiling, whistling is infectious. It’s hard not to feel at least a little upbeat yourself when someone around you is whistling. Don’t you agree?
Sure, like everyone else, I get down in the dumps every once in a while. But I try not to show it, at least not in a work environment. I try to stay positive.
And even if I am having a bad day, like a self-fulfilling prophecy, if I force myself to whistle, I usually feel better.
What about you? What’s your body language tell your colleagues about your mood? What signs do you send those around you at the office? Do you whistle while you work?
Google+
Follow
I can’t whistle, but I’ll hum a few bars! You’re so right Bob. Work is only part of your day. For that part, professionalism should be the goal. Part of that is keeping a civil if not jovial mood/tone whenever possible. If it’s good enough for Walt Disney, it’s good enough for me!