Be the Best Part of Everyone’s Day:
4 Proven Strategies
We’ve all had those days. You know the ones—where nothing goes according to plan.
Recently, I had a travel day that tested my patience: a late shuttle, delayed flights, and exhaustion creeping in. By the time I made it to my hotel, I had just enough energy to change clothes before an evening reception ahead of my keynote speech the next morning.
Then something magical happened.
As I walked in, the event’s key leader greeted me—but not with your standard, polite handshake. No, this was different. A big smile lit up his face, and with genuine enthusiasm, he said, “Steve, it’s great to see you!” Then—he gave me a hug. Not one of those awkward, half-hearted ones. A real, enthusiastic hug.
In an instant, my weariness melted away. My mood shifted. I felt recharged.
Turns out, this leader lives by a simple but powerful mantra:
“Be the best part of everyone’s day.”
And you know what? It worked.
The theme of their conference was “Contagious positivity leads to contagious possibilities.” Love that.
So, let me ask you:
As a leader—whether at work, at home, or in your community—
are you the best part of someone’s day?
Too often, we miss opportunities to lift others up with positivity. Growing up in the restaurant business, my dad had a phrase for when someone’s attitude wasn’t up to par: “Change the channel.” A quick but powerful reminder—we control our emotional energy. And that energy? It’s contagious.
That leader’s hug and smile didn’t just brighten my evening—it set me up for success the next day.
And here’s the science behind it: Upbeat moods make people view others and events more positively. That optimism fuels creativity, better decision-making, and a stronger sense of connection. Positivity isn’t just nice—it’s necessary.
So, here’s my challenge to you:
Strive to be the best part of someone’s day.
Whether it’s a colleague, a stranger, or someone you love—your energy changes everything.
Let’s create contagious positivity.
Here’s to making every interaction count!
—Steve
P.S. Who made you smile today? And more importantly—who’s day did you make better? Let’s keep the ripple effect going.
As a master storyteller, Steve has unparalleled ability to communicate dynamic business and leadership truths through stories, anecdotes and humor. Harness the power of the “number one” predictor of professional success, impact, leadership, high performance and sustainable relationships in business and life. Steve’s highest rated keynote presentation.
To book Steve today, contact Michelle Joyce!
(For information on keynote presentations, team workshops, and one on one coaching.)
“The purpose of Leadership Quest is to help professionals develop their personal leadership, vision and emotional intelligence. Everyday I strive to help leaders and teams achieve their desired goals in sales productivity, leadership, time maximization, and life-balance. ”
About the Author
Steve Gutzler is the President of Leadership Quest, a premier leadership development company based in Scottsdale. As a dynamic and highly sought-after speaker, Steve has delivered over 2,500 impactful presentations to renowned organizations such as Microsoft, Starbucks, the Seattle Seahawks, Spotify, Boeing, Cisco, Starwood Hotels, Ritz-Carlton, and the U.S. Department of Commerce.
A published author and thought leader on leadership and emotional intelligence, Steve lives near Scottsdale with his wife, Julie. Together, they cherish time spent with their three adult children and six grandchildren.
