The Two Most Important Words

Thank people often, genuinely and specifically, and you will see powerful returns

When was the last time you thanked someone in the office? Have you done it out of the blue for no particular reason, just to let someone know that they are appreciated?

All too often in a busy setting people forget the important little details - like thanking someone. IYou might ask someone for something many, many times each day. But as you move on to the next item on your list you can forget a simple thank you. Is that a problem? Shouldn’t people just do things for you - they are being paid after all!

We humans thrive on praise and positive support. There is just no way around that. Forget to say nice things to people and they will begin to make assumptions about your character that you would rather they did not. You might be seen as grumpy, arrogant, rude, who knows. Remember - everyone else is just as busy as you. In fact, many people say you need to offer up at least two positive things for any negative you may have later. Use thank yous to build up your stock of positivity.

Take the time to say a simple, and genuine, thank you and I guarantee your work will rise to the top of people’s in box. You will be appreciated.

Want to double the power of a thank you? Give them out of the blue, not just when someone does something for you. Walk up to someone and thank them for the work they do for you. For the support that they give you.”Thanks Sally. I just want you to know that the way you support my work with such attention to detail - like in the Smith contract last week - really is appreciated.”

By the way, this extends beyond those who work with or for you. Try thanking one of your superiors when they give you work and see how they react. “Thanks, Ron. I really appreciate the opportunity to be a part of this project. I always look forward to working on forecasting that has a strategic role for the company.”

I hope that you noticed something about how I thank people. With specificity. As I have said before when discussing notes you send to contacts - being specific makes your words more powerful and more genuine. After all, how many times a day does someone say thank you to you and it goes unnoticed?

Then again, I’ll bet you notice when someone doesn’t thank you.

Go ahead, right now. Thank someone.

If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to my RSS feed!