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I was out to lunch with coworkers last week, and everyone was telling funny work-related stories. Someone told one about how her boss had left his work bag on the train, and when they by some miracle found it- she sent a dozen roses to the person who did. I couldn’t help but be proud that this was my coworker, but also ashamed at myself at the same time. I would never have thought to do this! Then I started thinking, about how many people that have helped me, and in return I had only given them a quick “thank you.”
This incident wasn’t the first time I had thought about how my gratitude meter at work (and outside of work) needed a boost. Since I’ve started working at my new job two weeks ago, I’ve learned many many things, but the biggest lesson I’ve learned is the importance of encouraging and thanking the people you work with. We have this online tool, where you send “love” to anyone who deserves it- whether that is going out of their way to help you with something, making improvements, or doing a great job on a project. You might think this sounds odd, but really what it is- is taking one step further than a quick “thank you” to show people how appreciative you are- which sadly, we don’t often do. In fact the word “thank you” has become so common place that it has about the same weight as “sorry”. It’s better than saying nothing, but the word alone isn’t enough when people go out of their way to be a great friend, family member or coworker.
If you take 5 minutes each day- literally just 5 minutes, and send a thank you email or text or flowers or card basically any form of thank you to anyone that helps you, it will drastically improve relationships. Honestly, when was the last time you thanked the IT guy or girl at your work for helping fix your computer, your Dad for reminding you to get an oil change on your car, your coworker for getting you lunch, or your friends for just being awesome? Chances are, (if you are like me) it’s been awhile. And it doesn’t have to be in written form- picking up an extra coffee for your coworker in the morning, or grabbing a reeses for your friend if they are having a bad day- are all easy ways of showing gratitude. Is this the same as kissing as*? Nope unless you are doing it with expectations of something in return which shouldn’t be the case. All you need in return, is knowing that you are showing people what it means to be a good coworker, or friend and they’ll pass that on to someone else who needs it.
As Kennedy said, “As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.”
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June 3, 2009 11:23 am
Great post!
We forget to be grateful to people nowadays with our constant go go go.
One of my friends recently reminded me that some good stationary and a handwritten note are a fantastic way just to drop a quick thank you to someone. It'll be appreciated.
I remember once I worked really hard on a proposal and my boss got me a cappuccino the next day as a thank you. I thought it was the nicest thing.
The small things really matter :)
June 3, 2009 2:40 pm
Great post! It only takes a second to tell someone “thank you” or to send an email telling them how much you appreciate their help. You never know how much your appreciation will mean to the other person.
June 3, 2009 4:02 pm
Great post! In my current office they often say thank you or tell me I'm the best and that's enough. Some people need big, others (like myself) just need a little bit. I try to do nice thank you things for my boss because he's so understanding. So I'll ask him if he would like for me to get him breakfast or a Pepsi Max. The bottom line is that gratitude always seems to find its way back to you when you start giving it. The rewards are always surprising and rewarding. Besides people never forget.
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