Inspire Action · Brad Carter

Observations, Ideas & Reflections on Leadership from eSwatini

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“Hello” Experiment

February 11, 2009

Not too long ago Readers Digest had an article about saying “Hello” to everyone you come across– even waving as you pass in the car. The author tried this for a month and shared some ideas and results from his experiment. It broke stereotypes of who he assumed would say “hello” back and who would have a conversation.

This week I tried this at Wal-mart. Not my favorite place to be, but I was there to get a free rental from the Redbox and some milk for breakfast. I decided to say hi to everyone. If someone responded, I’d tell them the code for a free movie rental from the redbox.

Two pairs said hello back. One pair were friends. I was surprised at how many weird looks and total ignoring happened. Where is our friendliness– I even had a baby with me! Some of the folks who ignored me I later saw in the line at the Redbox…they still ignored me there.

I was more suprised than that author at how many folks wouldn’t respond. But I was pleased in how much more fun I had at Wal-mart than usual.

Filed Under: Personal, Random

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My African Education

I’m blogging about leadership, learning, and life from the Kingdom of eSwatini. Reflecting from my cross-cultural work in Christian higher education at African Christian College and entrepreneurial efforts like UKWAZI Makadamia and the Locavore Farmers Market.

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