May is National Show Your Smile Month. One of the most overlooked tools in business and life is a genuine smile. I urge all leaders—and anyone who influences others—to lift people daily, starting with something simple.

The Signal You Send

Smiling isn’t surface-level. It’s a signal. It tells people they matter. It tells your brain you’re okay. And it shifts the tone of every room you walk into.

There is real, measurable impact behind that simple act.

I’ve found that a smile lowers stress quickly, builds trust, and changes how people respond to you. You don’t need a title to influence a room. You need presence.

Small Action. Measurable Impact.

Research and real-world experience point to the same outcome:

1. A smile reduces stress and sharpens decision-making
2. It builds trust and strengthens connection
3. It improves mood and emotional resilience
4. It spreads quickly across teams and environments
5. It increases approachability and open communication

People feel a smile’s effect immediately—and once that tone is set, everything else moves easier.

I reinforce these ideas in my bestselling book, All the Right Reasons, 12 Timeless Principles for Living a Life in Harmony, where I outline how small actions shape lasting influence.

In the book, I write:

“In your careers, your path will cross with many people. They all matter and deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile, say hello, and learn their names.”

A Lesson That Stuck

There’s a defining moment behind that belief that I still think about.

A college professor once gave a final exam with one unexpected question: What is the name of the woman who cleans this building? Most students didn’t know.

Few things are more important to people than being called by their first name. That lesson never left me. It changed how I see every interaction.

That mindset goes back even further for me.

Leadership Shows Up in Small Moments

My dad always focused on how he could give instead of what he could get. He spent years serving neighbors, friends, and anyone in need. That is leadership—and it shows up in small moments, not just with big decisions.

At the center of what I’m trying to share is a principle that drives both leadership and personal fulfillment:

It All Comes Back to Relationships

Nothing is more important than relationships. When your reasons are clear and your “why” is strong, your actions follow.

Start With This

Throughout May, I encourage you to treat smiling as a daily discipline:

• Start your day with it
• Use it under pressure
• Direct it toward someone who needs it

People remember how you made them feel. And a smile is one of the fastest ways to make that impact.

It costs nothing, but it can change everything.

 

I shared a version of this article in a news release on May 1, 2026. USANA Health Sciences, a global leader in health and wellness products, has long recognized the importance of social wellness in building a successful business. Since its founding in 1992, USANA has focused on clear, concise communication to build trust with its customers and distributors in 25 countries. For more information about USANA Health Sciences and its dedication to promoting health, wellness, and entrepreneurial success, visit USANA.com.