The other night I came across a story in Fast Company that really struck me. The article, titled Made To Stick, analyzes why corporations make it so difficult or feel so pointless to say "thank you" to the appropriate person. They cited car companies as an example, saying that maybe you love how your cup holder fits your travel coffee cup perfectly and you want to show your appreciation to the responsible individual. Your note would most likely be sent to corporate communications and never seen by the engineer who actually conceptualized larger dimensions for the cup holder.
I deem it a small travesty that those who serve us receive much more negative feedback than positive. Yes, this is in part due to the fact that people in general love to complain, but I also think that we hold this belief that the right person will never get our message or even worse, that if they did, they would receive it with apathy.
I contend this to be completely untrue. As someone who has worked many stressful shifts serving people their eggs scrambled, over easy and basted (yes, this is actually a popular way to eat them although I have no idea why) just one or two encouraging words from a nice table or a comment to a manager regarding good service can go a long way to boost the quality of your work day.
Too often, we adopt a defeatist mindset when it comes to showing gratitude. When I listen to my favorite music artist, Corey Smith, I often think that I should let him know what his music means to me. This thought is quickly followe
d by discouragement and an assumption that my letter would meet an inevitable fate inside a trash can along with all the other fan mail. And maybe that’s true but then again, maybe it isn’t. Maybe Corey does sit on his bus and open up letter after letter. After all, don’t many musicians get some of their inspiration from their fans?
The bottom line is, too often we are too lazy to take the time to tell someone that we appreciate what they do. The world would be a different place if we all took a little time to say a sincere "thank you" once in a while and even if that gratitude doesn’t reach the right person, I guarantee you will feel better for having made the effort.
Posted by: Michelle Colar on Friday, November 14, 2008
This couldn't be better stated. I fully agree - have you written Corey yet?
Posted by: Jeff Bowe on Saturday, November 15, 2008
I so agree! In fact, I tell our clients to thank people they don't need to because it's reputation of manners. But here are my two favorites. Anyone who is or has served in the military, at any time. And not just on Veteran's day. When I meet someone and find out they served...gee, why do you think we use that term anyway...I thank them. They were willing to sacrifice up to everything, they deserve to hear it every day. Next, thank a teacher. Even if they don't teach your kids. Teachers at all levels, including those of us who teach college, don't get paid enough for our time compared to what we could get paid. Those students who give a sincere thank you mean the world to us, and if it comes from someone else, that's great. So, thank a teacher...they are preparing the people who are going to pay taxes while you are retired.