pic for 6 thank-you's

Today began with a surprise box on my front porch. I couldn’t imagine who it was from or what I might have forgotten that I ordered. But sitting outside on this cold, snowy morning was a big, brown square of excitement. I carefully stepped onto the frigid cement landing to pick it up, noticing it felt a bit weighty. With glee, I ran up my steps to my kitchen, grabbed a pair of scissors and began to attack the thick packaging tape. Inside there was a note and a heavily plastic bubbled item. The note read:

For all the wonderful things you are and do.” Love, mom

As I carefully unwrapped the gift, I saw it was a beautiful ceramic six-muffin dish, painted in blue and white. I had seen this baking dish when I was visiting my mother a few weeks ago in Florida. My visit was full of fun and full of organization of her closet. I felt so appreciated for all my physical rearranging and being fully present in my mother’s daily life.

[Tweet “Showing thankfulness and appreciation is a sign of a strong leader.”]

Here are six ways for leaders to recognize the hard work and kindness of the people we connect with everyday:

 1. SEND A THANK YOU NOTE, EMAIL OR TEXT

There is nothing like a heart-felt message telling someone on our team or someone who has helped us out, how appreciative we are for their support. Make sure to include the impact they made on you achieving your goal. People often ask me if it matters whether the note is hand-written or an email or a text and my response is always the same-just be genuine and grateful with your words.

 2. BUY A SMALL TOKEN OF APPRECIATION

Whether you purchase a box of someone’s favorite candy or a pre-paid card for a few cups of coffee from their favorite shop, these thoughtful gifts demonstrate that you care and appreciate a person’s contribution.

[Tweet “Small tokens of appreciation can be a meaningful way to say thank you.”]

3. TREAT SOMEONE TO LUNCH OR COFFEE

When we break bread with a teammate or co-worker, we are saying that they are important to us. Treating someone to a meal or a drink, demonstrates that we value their time and commitment.

 4. ARRANGE A LISTENING PHONE CALL OR HANGOUT

If we want to tell someone that they matter to us, just reach out and call them or skype with them. During that call, be an active listener and allow them to share some of their dreams and passions. It’s a great way to acknowledge that we value all sides of an individual.

5. BE FULLY PRESENT

I learned how important it was to be “in the moment” when I helped my mother evaluate the clothes in her closet. By giving another person your complete attention, we are leading by our generosity. Being focused on just the one activity, allows for human connection and kindness.

[Tweet “We are generous leaders when we are fully present.”]

6. TELL OTHERS

Giving credit to a person we collaborate with by sharing their work with others, is a great way to show gratitude. It is also very contagious because it encourages others to do the same for their teammates. Being recognized publicly is very powerful and empowering.

How do you make sure “Thank you” is part of your leadership? How does being appreciative make you feel?

 

 

 

 

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This