We frequently hear about the many requirements for being a successful leader. Characteristics such as gifts, talents, and personality are often highlighted. Many books have been written with the intention of guiding leaders and potential leaders in developing these aspects of their lives so that they can succeed as a leader.
A leader could be at the top of her game in gifts, talents, and personality, yet still not succeed. We are familiar with the leader who is smart, motivated and talented but seems unable succeed. For many such leaders, the missing element consists of just two words: THANK YOU!
Some leaders are so driven or task-focused that they forget or ignore the fact that the people around them have been working hard. As a result, they fail to say “thank you” to those people.
In the ongoing battle for our attention between getting results and building relationships, the focus on results seems to be in the lead. For leaders that are all about the results, taking the time to say thank you often gets pushed down the list of things to do. Eblin Group
Other leaders believe that people are hired to do a job and the paycheck is a sufficient “thank you” for what employees do.
In reality, human beings are motivated and feel valued when they are appreciated for what they do. And that appreciation is often best shown by expressing a sincere “thank you.”
As human beings, we naturally desire to be appreciated and valued. We are motivated more by appreciation than a paycheck. “This human trait never leaves us. As social creatures, we are driven first and foremost by appreciation–over time even things like money, career progression and job title are less important.” Jas Singh.
There are many ways to say “thank you;” in fact, it’s quite easy.
Saying thank you can be as easy as verbally telling someone, writing a quick hand-written note and placing it on the keyboard of the person you are thanking before you leave for the night, making an unexpected phone call, sending a quick email, giving a candy bar or single flower, baking some cookies or providing a favorite snack. There are a multitude of ways to say thank you, just do it. People like grateful leaders. Michael Rogers
Say “thank you” to a team member both personally and in the presence of the team. Don’t just say thanks for accomplishing the task, but be specific with exactly what was done in getting the task accomplished.
Also, while “thank you” can be said using an email, a card, a text or a note placed on a keyboard, doing it in person is far more effective. This can be by a phone call, taking the person out to coffee, stopping them in the hallway or just dropping into their office. A “thank you” in person does more to motivate those you lead than anything else you can do.
More valuable to your success than anything you bring to your leadership responsibilities is the conscious and deliberate practice of saying, “Thank you.”
How about your team? Each day this week, find at least one person to thank in a sincere, meaningful way. Email me and let me know how it goes, and if it made a difference for you and the person you thanked.
If you would like help in achieving your goals as a leader or in any area of your life, call us at 208-880-0307 or email us at errol@errolcarrim.com to schedule a complimentary coaching session. To read Errol’s other posts, visit Christ-Centered Life Coaching.