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Friday, February 15, 2008

The Power of Saying "Thank You"-Employee Recognition

The positive and powerful effect that saying "thank you" to your subordinates and to your other co-workers is often underrated. Employees really do want to know that they have done something that causes you to thank them. When we do say thanks, it is usually done verbally. And that is OK. However, an even more effective technique is to write that person a thank-you note. You can buy (50) 3x5 thank-you notes with envelopes for less than $5.00 at Wal-Mart. Keep them in your office. When someone goes the extra mile for your team, take (60) seconds and pen a word of thanks to him/her. You have no idea how much this will mean to that person. When they receive them, some employees frame these thank you notes! Why? Because the notes motivate them and yet they seldom receive them.

Think about it - when was the last time you personally received a thank-you note? How did it make you feel? I always feel good after I receive one. It shows that I helped a co-worker/friend in a meaningful way that inspired that person to take the time to write a note to me. And by the way, e-mails don't count! Written notes are much more effective.

Why not give this technique a try? I am sure that it will produce better results than you think it will.

And always remember - the more workers are appreciated, the more productive they become.

Thanks for reading.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I couldn't agree with you more! I used to be an Assistant Manager for Wal-Mart and we were actually instructed by our Store Manager to adapt this concept for our Associates. I did this for an overnight remodel that we had to do for 3 weeks and all of my Associates were very appreciative. The management team also cooked breakfast for them early one morning. Talk about a boost in morale! These "common courtesy" measures really do make a difference! Kudos!

In your opinion, which of the following is the most effective way to recognize an employee for a significant accomplishment at work?