Just do it. That’s right. Smile when you’d rather roll your eyes. Say “Have a great day!” when you’d rather say “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out!” Smooth the ruffled feathers of an unreasonable customer; remember, they may be feeling as stressed and headachy as you are. I can tell you from personal experience that blasting people with a winning smile and forcing a cheerful attitude really does bring about a good mood! It’s hard to stay surly when you put effort into a smile. If you can talk yourself into a bad mood, you can talk yourself into a good one! I’ve done it many a time.
Take on the Grinch. I’ve worked the register at a popular toy store during the holiday season and, believe me, it is not for sissies. A lot of customers are worried about the money they’re spending, irritated with the long lines and they have somewhere else they need to be “right now“. Not everyone is feeling the holiday cheer so I make it a personal challenge to get people to smile and feel just a little bit better than they did before they interacted with me. Make cheerful small talk such as “Good for you, more items crossed off your shopping list!” Compliment them on their cute hat or pretty earrings. Thank them for their patience with the wait. It’s been over 10 years but I still remember one particular instance when I was feeling down while shopping and the friendliness of the sales clerk gave me a boost I really needed. A kind word and a smile can make a world of difference.