The phone rang and as I greeted the caller he said, “How are you? Your watch is ready.”

I said, “Would you like me to answer your question?” And he responded, “Was there a question?”

“Yes,” I said with a smile. “You asked me how I am. I’m doing fine and it was nice of you to ask. How are you Bill?”

“I’m doing fine,” he replied, with a surprise in his voice that anyone would care.

“That’s good to hear,” I said. “As for the watch, thank you. I’ll be in in the next couple of days to pick it up and I appreciate your call.”

Here’s what’s important to us about this call. When I asked him how he was I really listened to the answer, however brief his response.

Most of us are in such a hurry, that we ask how someone is and then by our response, we show them we really don’t care. That’s insulting to them because they heard our question and they care very much how they are doing, even if we don’t.

You’ll discover that if you take a sincere interest in others when you ask that question many times they’ll answer you. And they’ll be so pleased you asked and listened, it will make a very favorable impression on them.

It usually adds just a few moments to the conversation and few moments for you to make a very favorable impression you’ll find is well worth it.

For these favorable impressions add up and over time, you’ll uplift a lot of people. But the biggest recipient of all will be you, for this little consideration becomes habit forming and it makes you a nicer, more caring individual.

Success Tip of the Week: Ironically, as I was writing this piece, a technician from a security firm called and he said, “How are you and where do I park?” You can easily guess what I said to him and his words help to reinforce the point you and I discussed today.