Science Says People With Emotional Intelligence Use This Non-Verbal Rule to Be More Effective

I’ve written about non-verbal communication before. But let’s be real for minute: Does eye contact and a smile truly matter when building stronger connections at work or with customers? How about adding a quick “hello”? It may seem like common sense, but how often do you actually practice it?

Well, the reality is that small gestures have the ability to transform how others perceive and engage with you. Enter a super simple–and I mean simple— yet effective strategy designed to boost your emotional intelligence and cultivate deeper connections, whether you’re in the office, participating in meetings, or pitching to clients. It’s called the 10/5 Way.

Hotels, hospitals, and restaurants train their staff to follow the 10/5 Way or “rule” to make guests feel welcome. In hospitals, it’s not merely about good manners; it can lead to better patient outcomes.

Ochsner Health System used the 10/5 Way to improve social support among employees and patients. They taught employees, leaders, and doctors about how social support can enhance the patient experience and encouraged them to change their behaviors.

According to a report on Harvard Business Review, since implementing this strategy, Ochsner saw an increase in unique patient visits, a 5% rise in patients likely to recommend the organization, and a notable improvement in medical practice provider scores. This whole premise indicates that social support helps create happier employees and more satisfied patients.

Humans are naturally wired to read facial expressions. Our brains mimic what we observe, helping us connect emotionally. A study published in Cognitive, Affective, & Behavioral Neuroscience demonstrates this phenomenon. When you see someone smile, your brain mirrors that emotion, which can lift your own spirits.

Also, smiling isn’t just beneficial for others; it’s excellent for you as well. It activates facial muscles that increase blood flow to your frontal lobe (the area responsible for decision-making and focus), and it triggers the release of dopamine—your body’s natural feel-good hormone. So, the more you smile, the happier and more focused you become. It’s like a productivity hack disguised as kindness.

Eye contact, in particular, symbolizes confidence, authenticity, and focus. In the U.S., when eye contact is timed right and doesn’t go into creepy staring territory, it serves as a nonverbal cue that communicates, “Trust me.”

Ultimately, the 10/5 Way is about being human. A smile or a simple greeting might seem trivial, but when you have the emotional intelligence to do it, it can foster trust and strengthening relationships. So, next time you see someone within 10 feet, don’t just walk by—engage.