Who has been helping you?
Take a moment to say thank you.
Over the phone, In person,
better yet in a short handwritten note.
It works
4 Simple Steps
Be specific
Be personal
Be brief
Do it!
Be specific
Saying “Thank you for taking ownership of that data quality problem” is much more powerful than saying something general like “thank you for all you do.” It takes a little more work, but has a bigger impact.
Be personal
This one is subtle, but really profound. Saying “I appreciate YOU for” is more powerful than saying “I appreciate IT when…”
Telling the person THEY matter makes a bigger impact than you expressing appreciation for what they did.
Be brief
You don’t need to go on and on with flowery prose.
Two or three sentences is really sufficient.
Do it
Whether you say it over the phone, in person, or actually write a note, the most important thing you can do is actually DO IT!
It is never too late to say thank you. Take a moment right now to reach out to someone and appreciate them for their contributions.
As my colleague and friend Michael Maher says “What you appreciate…Appreciates!”
If you want more great work from a team member, say thank you when they do a great job!
Example:
Joe, I just wanted to drop you a note to say I appreciate you for the work you’ve been doing on the Smith project. You really took ownership of that data quality problem and got it fixed. Thank you.
Tom
PS – when have you got a sincere and specific thank you note from someone? How did it make you feel?
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