When I was growing up, my mom got me the “Raggedy Ann, Please, Thank You and I Love You” book so I could learn my manners. It was my favorite book!  I never have forgotten that book and in fact probably have it somewhere still.

Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about the power of saying “Thank You” that this book had taught me. Why? I feel as if we are so caught up in our personal lives, struggles and schedules that we fail to recognize the good things others do around us and for us by simply saying, “Thank You“ to them.

By not saying “thank you” you only fall into the rut of negative. Since what you focus on expands, you’ll only get more negative. For example, it makes no sense for a manager to beat down his employees with threat of job loss or other repercussion then wonder why employee morale and motivation is so low, or why he only gets negative responses from his employees. Nor does it make sense for an employee to resent their manager for not being positive, when all they’ve ever said to their manager has been a complaint.

How about saying thank you and acknowledging the things that are being done right? Do you think your work environment would change if you change your focus? What about your home life and relationships, would they improve too by simply saying thank you? I think so!

The power of saying “thank you” is a gift you give others and yourself in return. This attitude of gratitude helps you encourage the behavior you want more of and forces you into a more positive perspective while making someone feel appreciated in the process. Now that’s a win-win-win!

One of the biggest reasons people are dissatisfied with their jobs, is lack of recognition and appreciation. If you’ve watched the new show on NBC, “Undercover Boss “, you see what I mean. This show exposes how bosses overlook good employees and how they risk losing these stars for the lack of appreciation they’ve been given.  All any of these star employees needed was someone to notice their hard work and say thank you!

So ask yourself this, when was the last time you said “thank you” to your co-workers, family or others around you? When was the last time you had someone say thank you to you for just showing up, for doing the dishes, for smiling and saying good morning?

A day should NOT go by without you saying “Thank You” to at least 1 person in your day. Your attitude of gratitude is the BEST way to reduce stress, and improve a negative situation instantly! PROMISE!

So how do you say thank you and not sabotage your good intent?

Ways to say thank you:

-          In Person (Best Way!),  Quick Phone Call,  Written letter (a quick note will do!) or  Email.

Two Crucial Tips for a Genuine Thank You!

1)      Just say thank you.

 Do NOT follow a thank you with a request, favor or update.  So avoid doing this: “Thank you so much for your help today.  I really appreciate it! Please let me know by end of today an update on your project. Thanks again!” In this example, the thank you is lost by the request added. Next time, just simply say “Thank You.”

 2)      Be specific for what you are thankful for.  The more specific the better!

 For example: “I really want to thank you for always making great suggestions for improvement, they really help me decide the best course of action and make me a better leader.  I so appreciate you for this!”

So go out and say a specific thank you to someone in your day, at work or at home and see what positive magic it can create!

I appreciate you taking the time to read and share this blog! It lets me know that you value the tips I share and that I’ve made a positive difference for you.  Until next Monday have a Great Week!