Thank You Notes
Loading...Our job, as leaders, is to intentionally notice when employees are doing exceptional work, being especially helpful to others, and living the values/standards of the organization. Once we notice, we must act. One action that recognizes others for good work is writing a thank you note to that person. This note is hand-written, includes specific details for the recognition, and is mailed to the home of the individual. WHY? This makes the note even more special to the person receiving it. Thank you notes are meaningful and are saved over time by those on the receiving end. These are the good things that sustain us through the not so good times.
We’ve found that the highest performing leaders build solid and trusting relationships with their team. We’ve also found that most people we supervise want to do a good job and feel successful. We can accomplish the relationship building and provide feedback about performance by showing gratitude with a thank you note. When we recognize good work with gratitude, we are also communicating expectations.
Sincere gratitude is a culture changer. Recognition of good work gives us the opportunity to energize those we work with each day. It also models the importance of showing appreciation.
INTENTIONAL ACT OF GRATITUDE
Most of us want leaders who:
- appreciate our work
- care about our well-being
- let us know we are a valuable member of the team
- recognize us individually for completing specific work that is aligned to results
It is not our responsibility to motivate others; it is our responsibility to connect the work people do each day with their passion. When we intentionally recognize achievements aligned to the mission and values of our organization, we reinforce the worthwhile work our employees accomplish and its importance to the success of the organization.
The thank you notes action includes two components, the intentional act to notice, and follow-up to write the note with specifics that were observed. Things to remember as we write the notes:
- Be genuine and sincere
- Be specific about what is being recognized as good work
Sample:
Dear Emily,
I received a wonderful letter today from one of our parents. He said you were the person in the hall late in the afternoon who helped him find his son’s locker. Apparently, that was only the beginning, since you helped him unlock the locker and retrieve his son’s materials. This was important to the family since the son is critically ill and wanted to continue to stay current with his work. You helped the Dad and his son. Thank you for your unselfish spirit that always reaches out to others. I appreciate you and all you do for the families we serve.
THANK YOU NOTES IN 4 STEPS
Use every opportunity to notice good work. Use information from check-in/connection questions and any type of peer or supervisor recommendation.
- When checking in with employees, ask connection questions like, “What is working well?” and “Who has been particularly helpful to you?” The responses provide great information for recognizing others.
- Determine ways to have others recognize individuals.
Write the thank you note.
- Hand-write the note.
- Be specific and descriptive about the recognition.
- Align the recognition to the mission and values of the organization.
Mail the note to the employee’s home address.
- This personalizes the thank you note.
- Mailing the note adds to this being a special recognition.
Track to whom you send a note and why.
- Tracking allows you to know who and what is being recognized on your team.
- Tracking allows you to see trends in performance.
