In our busy world, it seems to me that we have lost the art of the nicety. My mother taught me to write thank you notes whenever I received a gift from someone not present. I recall laboring over the handwritten Christmas thank you notes to my aunt Inez.
Today, the practice of sending personal thanks has been replaced by a quick email, a phone call or an e-card. However, they just aren't the same as a handwritten note.
I have a good friend that will always take the time to write a thank you note for gifts received. She even does this when I give her gifts in person. She uses the most wonderful choice of blank cards and always writes specifically and personally. Knowing how incredibly busy she is, her notes are a very special touch which I appreciate.
One would think that there is no place for personal, handwritten cards or thank you notes in business. But personal, handwritten cards are about relationships and
business is about relationships
Encouragement and Support
When you have employees reporting to you, it is important to understand what forms of reward they appreciate. Some professionals prefer private words of approval. Other professionals prefer monetary bonuses. Others prefer momento-based awards (plaques, certificates, etc.).
When an employee rises up to a challenge, succeeds at a difficult assignment, muddles on through problems, helps other co-workers, or other praise-worthy activity, a note of encouragement, congratulations, or appreciation perform their special magic.
Business often tends to the impersonal. A personal note acknowledges a person and their value to you and the organization.
Appreciation
In business, we often take for granted when others in our company go out of their way to help us. After all, it is all for the good of the business.
However, I have found that the willingness of professionals to go out of their way for you depends upon a number of things: your affability, your recognition that they will have to make an extra effort, and their personal interest in the request.
After working with a remote team on a year-long project, I wanted to show my appreciation for their efforts. I was able to wrangle some small monetary gifts for the key individuals on the team. I made it a point of writing a personal, customized note to each individual that was sent along with the note.
The response. Many of the individuals regarded more highly the personal note of appreciation than the monetary gift. It's not all about the money.
We shouldn't be surprised. Personal touches ease our relationships and show others they are valued. Just imagine what would happen if we took the time to personally appreciate our customers, our partners, and our co-workers. Because it costs us a little bit more, personal cards and thank you notes stand out. Why not consider ways to incorporate them into your work-life.
Share your stories about receiving or sending thank you notes in business.
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