🌼 The Power of People Skills: Sweet Moments from the Front Desk

One of the gifts I’ve carried with me all my life is the ability to connect with people.

In person or over the phone, I’ve often been told I have a kind presence… that I listen well, that I respond thoughtfully, and that my voice is calming.

I don’t say this to boast.

I say it because I believe in the power of good people skills—and I’ve seen how kindness, warmth, and presence create moments that matter.

🩷 Today reminded me why I love this gift.

It started with a patient who noticed the “You Are My Sunshine” sign I hung at the front desk.

She lit up and said, “I sing that song to my dog every morning.”

We shared a laugh and a quiet moment of connection—two strangers brought together by something so simple and beautiful.

That sign means more to me than she’ll ever know.

I hung it next to a photo of my sweet coworker Sheryl—my angel in heaven now—who used to climb on the desk to water our pothos plant.

She’s still here with me, in spirit, tending to that same peace.

Later, I had a moment with a patient where I joked:

“You can be Dr. David’s second favorite patient—because I’m his first, and he’s my favorite doctor.”

She laughed and smiled, and I could tell it made her day.

Moments like that are medicine too.

And not long after, Dr. David came by the front desk just to say goodbye before heading out for the weekend.

That meant a lot.

He didn’t have to—but he did.

Those are the quiet acknowledgments that stay with you.

I also work with Janice, who jokingly calls me Grandma—and I call her Mom, and her husband Dad (even though I’m older than both of them 😄).

It’s that kind of playful energy that softens the edges of a long day.

💛 Here’s what I’ve learned:

When you lead with kindness…

When you listen…

When you take the time to connect with people—genuinely—

That goodness finds its way back to you.

Every day won’t be easy.

But when you’re good with people, people feel it.

And they return it in the sweetest, most unexpected ways.

To everyone with a kind voice, a warm smile, or a caring ear—

Never underestimate the difference you make.

Even if it’s just saying goodbye.

Even if it’s just watering the pothos.

Even if it’s just a song.

— Simply Flava aka Susan K