Sometimes when we run through our mental list of things to do, we remind ourselves to give a sincere thank you to those around us for something they have done. It may be during our drive to work or as our mind wanders in a meeting. 

Sometimes at the end of the day we kick ourselves for forgetting to acknowledge someone and promise ourselves that we will do it the first thing the next morning.

The next day we get busy and even if the thought to give a sincere thank you does pass through our mind, we vaguely remember thinking about it to the extent that we actually think we did it. Then the recognition opportunity passes without ever actually happening.

I believe a sincere thank you needs to be strategic. Instead of just a quick “thanks” in passing, we need to make a conscious effort to set a positive stage and then tell the person exactly what you appreciate about what they have done. It may be as you pass in the hall but if it is one of those hurried moments take these steps:

1. Plant your feet and give the person your undivided attention
2. Get their attention and look them in the eye
3. Touch them appropriately on the shoulder or shake their hand
4. Describe what you observed and why you appreciated their efforts
5. To put the icing on the cake, let the person know the impact their action had on the team or department or business.


This article written by Ruby Newell-Legner, a nationally recognized training expert and a friend of Baudville. Learn more about Ruby at www.RubySpeaks.com.