A Simple Thank You!

A simple “thank you” goes a long way

Call to mind the last time someone gave you a genuine “Thank You!”

Does the mere memory put a smile on your face?

Does it take you back to that very moment and bring forth feelings of purpose? Value?

That you matter. That you truly made a difference.

How can you make someone feel that special today?

 

Easy! Take an immediate action, right now:

• o Write a handwritten “Thank You” note – use company letterhead, your own stationary, or a cute little card to make it even more memorable. Deliver it in person, if possible.


• o Send an email or a text with a heartfelt message.


• o Pick up the phone and express your appreciation by being full present.

Be authentic and genuine with your appreciation. A generic “thanks” just won’t do.

Be conscientious about any core values that you observe – whether aligned with your leadership values or those of the organization – and reinforce these positive behaviors in your message.

Be specific with your words to illustrate exactly what you appreciate most about them and their impact.

Be purposeful with the images you select so that the card/stationary itself echoes your gratitude and connects with the recipient on a personal level. For example, for those in the U.S. Military or Government service, the American flag conjures up deep feelings of patriotism, service to others, honor, and life’s purpose. For a pet lover, an adorable kitten or puppy with sunglasses and a floppy hat that reminds them of their own pet can tickle them. For a software development team that delivered a travel app, perhaps a cartoon computer sipping an umbrella drink on the beach. Anything that relates to the topic you are thanking them for and/or shows them that you know them as a human being, not just as a performer of quality work.

You might also consider going one step further and sending their supervisor a “Thank You!” note, too. This is an opportunity to share with them your appreciation for the individual [or team] and if you know that the supervisor is particularly generous with their coaching, mentoring, and/or leadership, you can thank them for their contributions as well. Or go bigger still: Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo, wrote 400 letters to parents of her senior executives thanking them for the great work they did in raising their children. Spread kindness!

Model the behaviors that you want around you – whether within your workplace, at home, or in the world.

“What gets recognized gets reinforced, and what gets reinforced gets repeated.”
- Anonymous

Thank you for reading! I am an ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC) specializing in Performance Coaching for Senior Executives, Flag Officers, and STEM professionals, and mental fitness for all. Don’t miss out on information and techniques that can take you to the next level. Schedule your one-on-one coaching here!

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