How to win friends and influence people

A friend recently told this tale which shows that, whilst winning friends and influencing people may be an art form, it’s also really easy – so long as your actions are based on good intent.  The friend I am talking about was a leader responsible for a group of about forty folk who were out orienteering in the Scottish winter (it was no doubt cold!).

At one point there was a delay where the group had to stand around waiting for something before they could move on.  To pass the time, as leader, she jokingly asked the group: “Does anyone want to sing a song?” and was surprised to see a wee hand go up.  It was a boy, aged ten.  So she beckoned him out to the front of the crowd and said encouragingly “On you go then...” with anticipation.

He looked up at her, smiled, and began singing:

“If you’re happy and you know it....clap your hands...if you’re happy and you know it.....clap your hands.....if you’re happy and you know it......and you really want to show it.....if you’re happy and you know it.....clap your hands.”

The moment was his. 

As you can imagine, the crowd sang along with him; and clapped their hands.

Wishing everyone a very merry Christmas and, truly, best wishes for 2012. 

Leigh x

With thanks to Jacqui, the teller of this story.