The power of "thank you"
Early in my career I was working as a recruiter in a small field office of an exceptionally large organization. The role was very much about getting as many people through the door as possible and meeting quotas. It was a great opportunity for me to change career directions and learn something completely different. I was not paid much and there was minimal opportunity for rewards or upward movement. It was a job that I clocked in and out of diligently (yes, it was hourly). I knew it was merely a steppingstone in my career.
Then one day a few months into my tenure, as I was heading out for the weekend, my boss thanked me for a great week. It was impromptu and brief. I vividly remember walking down the hall towards the exit and she was walking toward me from another part of the office and as we passed, she casually thanked me. She had not rehearsed it. She did not need to pull me into a conference room to tell me. And she did not need to say more than “thank you for a great week”. It meant so much to me. I was appreciated and recognized in that one moment.
I will never forget that day and how it made me feel like a million bucks. It was one of the only forms of reward and recognition I received while in that role, and it was priceless. As a result, showing appreciation and gratitude has become a big piece of who I am as a colleague and leader, and mother.
There is much written about keeping a gratitude journal and the positive benefits of writing down all that you are appreciative of. Thanksgiving is another opportunity in the year for everyone to reflect on all they are grateful for and many share that publicly, often around the dinner table. I believe both of those approaches to gratitude are positive and will enhance a positive mindset. However, I have found that thanking people, in the moment, without over-planning or making a big deal goes a long way in reminding me all I am grateful for and letting others know they are appreciated.
As you sign off your next zoom call, thank the person (or persons) on the other side of the screen for what they have done. Whether they supported you on a specific project, advanced the organizations mission, or guided you forward in your career, thank them. This year, I have received tremendous support from some incredible individuals as I started my business. They have provided tactical, strategic and emotional support. After our calls, I work hard to thank them for all they have provided me.
When you put your kids to bed tonight, thank them for something you genuinely appreciate from the day. Sometimes I thank my child for a great day together. Other times I thank her for picking up her toys. It does not have to be sentimental or deep. Simply showing gratitude reminds me of what I appreciate about my interactions with them and lets them know they are a valued part of my day.
The simple phrase “thank you” seems so mild and non-impactful. But in today’s world, it can often feel lacking. We are all working hard to accomplish so much. Take a moment to recognize and appreciate those around you. Not only will you benefit from expressing gratitude, but the recipient will also feel like a million bucks.