What does Gratitude have to do with your career?
In a word, everything. The most successful people we know, regardless of their level or role in the organization, find ways to share their wins with others. And we have seen a few who made time to regularly and physically thank those who have helped them. It's not as hard as one might think.
Try this: Set up a recurring weekly 30 minute appointment in your scheduling system and use this time to think about the people who deserve a thank you this week. Use note cards if you can; in these times a hand written note is something special. Or use e-mail and copy people's bosses. Or use the phone system and copy people's bosses. Don't do it so often its meaningless - be judicious and thank each individual for a reason. Here are some people to consider:
- Someone on your team who did an over-and-above job on a task this week
- Someone on another team (cc: their boss) for the same reason
- The receptionist or administrative person who has a great attitude
- A front-line employee who did something small but helpful
- A peer who modeled the behavior YOU aspire to but don't always achieve
- A customer who was willing to bear with you, or behaved in an admirable way, or whose employee was of service
- Someone in your family who understands the long hours you put in
- Your boss, who you know is under enormous pressure and who did something neat this week
- A vendor who has gone the extra mile to make you successful
- The janitor who you see cleaning up as you leave the building each evening
- Security guard, ditto
- And if its a really special thing you have to thank someone for, send them a note, and also send your boss a note asking her or him to leave a voice mail as well.
If you are a manager, this routine is great addition to your weekly schedule. A little thanks goes a long, long way toward motivation and retention, especially in the organizational climate most of us are operating in today.
If you aren't a manager, this should be part of your general networking and career strategy. A 'thank you habit' is one of the ways you differentiate yourself in the eyes of colleagues, customers, vendors, and your family and community.
What do you think? Do you have a story of a time you offered thanks to someone?
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