Giving Thanks… Gratitude at Work
Many years ago, a smart person taught me a lesson in gratitude. They told me to sincerely thank at least ten people a week, and know that these thanks would multiply and grow. Since that time I have made the habit of writing cards, sending thank you e-mails, filling out comment cards, and stopping people to really thank them for some kindness, service or deed. I set that goal of thanking ten people a week, sometimes I have missed that goal, but often I exceed it.
This is not the quick “thank you” to a waitress or to someone who holds a door for you, which are still very important, but that extra effort. It is the habit of taking the time to fill out a comment card acknowledging great service, a card with a personal note, or a nicely written e-mail. Really giving thanks is more than hitting the “like” button on Facebook.
As the saying goes, “it is the thought that counts.” So show that you did think about it. Tell the person why you are saying thanks. Also, in our technology laden world, a card or handwritten letter makes even a bigger impact than an e-mail or text. In a card, put a few lines about how their kindness or deed made a difference in your day. It will make a difference in the day of the person receiving it.
In my right hand drawer of my desk is collection of cards, stickers, notes and such; all there to help in my habit. The staff at the local Hallmark store know my face and I am a sucker for some nice looking thank you cards. Think about bringing some note cards to your next conference; and take time to really thank some professionals you interact with. At the end of a particularly grueling conference call, make sure you send some follow-up thank you notes.
Turn gratitude into a habit. I struggle with people’s names, so I have focused time and energy to remember people’s names and to use that to thank them. A housekeeper or dining hall staff will generally smile when they are thanked by name for a cleaned carpet or a great meal. It also helps you fill out comment cards – which is a great way to have staff recognized and thanked.
It generally costs little to nothing to thank someone, but not thanking someone can be expensive… perhaps even the loss of a good volunteer or staff member because they feel unacknowledged or unrecognized. As we think about the approaching Thanksgiving holiday, some with thoughts about the end of fall semester or even graduation- take a few extra moments to share some kind words with those around you, with the hope that those thanks will multiply and grow.
Tags: Gratitude, Thanksgiving
Very well done! A great message to take to heart and to put into practice. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by ACUHO-I, Torry Bruce. Torry Bruce said: Giving Thanks… Gratitude at Work – http://blog.acuho-i.org/2010/11/giving-thanks%e2%80%a6-gratitude-at-work/ – great post @luciera [...]
Aaron, thanks for sharing your wisdom and personal experience. We should all be reminded to put your “habit” into practice a lot more often than some of us do! Your words were such an encouragment to think outside of one’s self!
I agree Aaron… A thank you can go a long way!! Thanks for reminding us!
Well timed with the holiday(s). Well written and a good reminder. I often fall short but I know from the responses to cards that people do appreciate a hand written personal message now and then and students in particular are surprised to receive such a note.