Why I start work, phone calls with this question - S1E15

When I call someone for work, I start with this simple question: “How are you doing today?” It sounds like a filler question, small talk for no reason. Except I do it on purpose. Two reasons really. One, I want to frame the conversation in my head to be about the other person. Two, I want to get an immediate sense of their attitude before I jump into the conversation agenda.