I appreciate you taking the time to read this bulletin 
Some leaders have it embedded in their DNA to let others know that they appreciate them—and for other leaders it’s a learned skill.
Regardless of your genetics, let’s look at why thanking a team member, or anyone really, is a hugely impactful habit to develop.
Why Is It So Important To Say “Thank You”?
- Everyone (yes, everyone) wants to know that they’re making a difference and their work is appreciated.
- Your team member’s discretionary effort will lift as their feeling of being appreciated lifts.
“Most of us never hear a word of earfelt praise at work, even though 81% of us say we’d work harder if we did.” —Australian Men’s Health, November 2014
- Authentically recognising someone builds rapport and trust.
- A heart-felt “thank you” is often as gratefully received as a bonus. And it doesn’t cost anything but a moment of your time.
- And also…
Appreciative Leaders Are Leaders Whom People Want To Work For
Leaders have a huge impact on their team members when they communicate a genuine “thanks”.
You’ll pack a powerful punch when you deliver the following sorts of message:
- “Thank you for being someone I can always trust to deliver.”
- “I so appreciate that you’re a part of this team.”
- “I’m grateful for your excellent work with this.”
- “Thank you so much for your energetic approach. I love it.”
- “These are great results. I appreciate your contribution.”
- “You’re such a stabiliser on this team. Thank you.”
What You Can Do To Habituate Acknowledging People
How would it be if, at least once a day, you recognised at least one person’s efforts or results by:
- Making a passing acknowledging comment
- Sending off a quick “thank you” email
- Acknowledging someone publically in a meeting
- Buying someone a coffee/lunch
- Emailing a broader communication
- Communicating your gratitude to more senior people in your organisation
- Leaving a Thank You card on their desk
And thanking a person when it’s not expected, doing it out of the blue, has even more impact than an anticipated “thank you” at the end of a successful project.
Are you up for my at-least-once-a-day challenge?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Carolyn Stevens has worked with leaders for more than 25-years—hundreds of them.
She’s supported leader after leader (including those who previously struggled to confront the difficult, let alone persuasively deal with the it) flourish—and become confident, courageous and impressively influential.
Carolyn is authentic and results-oriented. She draws on an eclectic array of approaches, tools and techniques to suit the situation.
