The Impact of Saying Thank You

How often do you go out of your way to thank someone?

Do you really mean it, or is it a rote “thanks”? Is it delivered sincerely, or are you just going through the motions?

Do you actually recognize when you should thank people? Do you really appreciate the things that people do for you?

Do you know the power of a heartfelt thank you? Do you remember how it feels when someone really appreciates you?

“We must find time to thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” John F Kennedy

Today I got an email from a former colleague who reminded me of a time when I helped him. The help had not been tangible (he was looking for a job, and I did not find him a job), but the help was useful to him. I gave him advice, I took time from my schedule to talk with him and he thanked me for it at the time, because that is the kind of guy he is.

Ten years later he reminded me of that help, because it affected him in other ways. It made him more cognizant that he should help others when he could… not that he really needed that reminder.

I can tell you that to be thanked in such a sincere manner, ten years later, was powerful. It made my day.

We all experience times when people do things for us that are meaningful to us. Do we truly let them know how much we appreciate them?

“Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” G.B. Stern

If a thank you can have a big impact on a guy who has been running his own business for the last 18 years, just think how much it might affect a client, an employee, a boss, your parents, siblings or other relatives.

A sincere thank you should not be delivered with an ulterior motive, but rather in recognition of what someone did for you.

What about that store owner that brightens your day, or the friend who brings a smile to your face? Do you take time to let them know how much you appreciate them?

Do you thank your clients for their business, in a way that they know you really mean it?

Do you thank your parents for the million things they did for you growing up, and beyond.

Do you thank your mentors, your teachers, your role models… whether they do it consciously or not, you benefit from them.

“Saying thank you is more than good manners. It is good spirituality.” Alfred Painter

Any time that you can brighten somebody’s day by a sincere appreciation you should do it.

Author

Kevin Dee is CEO of Eagle, one of Canada’s largest professional staffing companies. You can read more of his writing at the Eagle Blog http://www.eagleonline.com/blog/