The Bomb Cosmetic

I recently had the opportunity to work with Joyce, a human resources professional extraordinaire. Joyce was a tall, confident, professional WOC, who everyone seemed to respect and admire. No matter how challenging her day or how severe the message was, her touch and tone were caring and kind. Joyce always had a smile on her face. She walked into my office late one Thursday afternoon, smiling, but with a serious look on her face. I relaxed instead of tensing up as she shared the company’s Reduction in Force (RIF) strategy. Ultimately, the next morning, I would be releasing three of my team members. I admired her approach to these tough management decisions.

No matter how I was feeling—overwhelmed, frustrated, overworked—just her smile would make my shoulders relax and allow me to breathe, and I would have to smile back.

In John Gottman’s, The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, the author talks about “repair attempts,” which are small gestures or actions that deescalate emotional tension. A smile from someone can be very disarming and allow you to pause, clear your head, and stop your heart from racing just for a moment while you put things in perspective.

On some days as a professional WOC, smiling may not feel comfortable. I learned to smile late in my career; however, today I now share my smile with at least one person every day.

Today: My challenge to you is to smile at at least one person today. How did smiling make you feel? Did your smile change the tone of the interaction?

Here’s a trick I learned from my daughter. Look in the mirror and smile. Next, gently suck air through your teeth. Sucking air through your teeth adjusts your lip placement and makes your smile look natural.

Smile. Don’t wait for someone else to make you smile. You will feel better, others around you will feel better, and as Yaya DaCosta says, “Happiness is the bomb cosmetic”!

Here’s to selling Mastery. 

-Cherilynn

Head of Education and Growth, Sistas In Sales

Executive Coach/Managing Partner, CGI

Cherilynn Castleman, Executive Coach/Sales Trainer, has been a sales executive for 20+ years. With a natural talent for teaching and a drive to sell, Cherilynn uses her skills to coach and train other executives and sales professionals.

“Happiness is the bomb cosmetic! When I’m smiling, sometimes I’m giving thanks for all the things I have rather than worrying about the things I don’t.” –Yaya DaCosta 

An American actress and model, Yaya was the runner-up in cycle 3 of America’s Next Top Model.