December 16, 2008
Q. My boss is term-limited and leaving Lansing. I have loved working on his staff and would like to thank people who’ve been helpful to me. What’s the best way to do that? I don’t have a lot of money to spend.
A: Nothing beats a hand-written thank-you note. In this electronic age, a personal note is a rare and valued commodity. Spend your limited funds on some quality stationary, a good pen and some stamps. Take the time to compose a meaningful note to each person that expresses your appreciation for specific things he or she has done to help you. Say you’d like to stay in touch in the hope you can return the favor. If you have a new business card, enclose it with the note. Otherwise, provide a way to contact you. If you stay in touch, these people will be your “go to” network wherever you are.
It’s also a good time to mend fences if need be, and a hand-written note will go a long way toward doing that. Begin the note by saying you regret the misunderstanding or disagreement. If an apology is called for, state that right up front. Express your hope that the two of you will have an opportunity to find a better working relationship in the future. Make sure you give the person your contact information as a show of faith.
The first leadership class then-Chairman Dick Brown conducted for top EDS executives was on the importance of saying thank you. One of his own leadership habits was writing hand-written thank you notes every day. His personal goal was five per day — and he rarely fell short. He also believed in leadership by walking around, and he loved dropping by people’s offices unexpectedly. He realized how important the notes were when he saw them framed or pinned to bulletin boards.
While a good investment of your limited funds would be some personalized note cards, remember it’s the thought and the gesture that count.
Need advice? Send your situations to Dome.
Paula Blanchard Stone and Patty McCarthy are partners in McCarthyBlanchard, an executive training firm specializing in key message development, presentation skills training, media interview training and executive presence. Copyright © 2008 McCarthy Blanchard. | Website
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