At a very early age, we all learned the importance of saying thank you. In fact when we were younger, our parents hung on our every word, making sure we always said please and thank you at the appropriate times.
Now that we’re in the working world, I wonder if we’re complicating the act of saying thank you. I’ve seen articles talking about the right people to thank, the best time to thank them, and the proper way to express thanks.
Is it possible people are spending so much time planning a thank you that they’re missing the opportunity? “Thank you” is the simple, sincere act of expressing appreciation.
It seems to me the most important part of thanking someone is actually doing it. I’m referring to actually saying or writing the words – thank you. If I had to offer up some advice surrounding thank you’s…that would be it. Quit psychoanalyzing – just do it.
It’s perfectly fine to say thank you and not write it. In fact, saying the words (along with the explanation of why you’re appreciative) can be more powerful than getting a thank you in writing.
And, it doesn’t matter if it’s sent via email or snail mail. Right now, the cost of a card can be upward of $4.00 plus postage. A lot of people are learning how to feed their family on that amount of money … don’t make judgments about email thanks being less sincere.
Also don’t assume recognition and/or gifts are more desired. If someone does something nice for you, it should be because they wanted to. Not because they expect a gift in return. A heartfelt thank you is both sufficient and appropriate.
Thank you for tuning in to HR Bartender. Your comments, suggestions and support mean so much. It inspires me to work hard and produce content you (hopefully) find valuable.
I’m ending today’s post with a short video clip from last year’s TED conference. Laura Trice offers an interesting spin on giving and receiving thanks. Enjoy the video and . . . thank you!
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Hi! I'm Sharlyn Lauby, an HR pro turned consultant. I created the HR Bartender blog so people would have a friendly place to discuss workplace issues. And since, over the years, I've developed an appreciation for the culinary arts (translation: I'm a Foodie) you'll see some of that here too. So, pull up a stool and order your favorite drink . . . the bar is always open.
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Thank you for your great post, Sharlyn! The words “thank you” are used too seldom in our lives today, but maybe a “thank you revolution” is right around the corner.
I add my thanks to you as well Sharlyn. You do such a fantastic job providing consistently great writing and better still, challenging your readers to consider new ideas and concepts.
It was a wonderful post Sharlyn.
Thank you is the most important and most avoided word. People restrain themselves, either to realize the thankfulness of any job done or to express gratitude towards it.
We forget that thanking someone not only makes him/her happy but also gives us satisfaction and inner happiness.
Thank you for writing such a beautiful post.
I’m with Steve — thank YOU Sharlyn, excellent post.
- Meg