Thank You
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!
