Say "Thank You" in Writing

 An Affirming Boss

Affirming people through thoughtful handwritten communication is such a powerful and effective tool for relating to one another.  I once had a boss who kept a stack of note cards in his desk and regularly wrote notes to thank his employees.  The one I received motivated me to do the same for those who reported to me.  The impact was huge.  It was far greater than if I had sent them an email with the same words. 

 

"Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return." Ralph Marston

 

The Power of the Pen

 Something Really Unexpected

I recently had a wonderful experience with the power of a handwritten note.  Recently I had to have eye surgery.  While in many ways it was routine, I was a bit freaked out as it was “eye” surgery.  I took great pains to select a competent surgeon.  I primarily used internet resources to gain a sense of his competence.  Well, the day came, and thankfully everything went well.  Now my vision is significantly improved.
 
Several weeks later a small envelope appeared in our mailbox with the surgeons return address on it.  I assumed it was the bill, but when I opened it my jaw dropped.  It was a handwritten note thanking me for choosing him as my doctor.  I was dumbfounded.  If your experience with medicine has been anything like mine, communication from a doctor or hospital is usually “you still owe us money.” (That came later.) Not once, in my life have I received a personal note from a doctor.  His handwritten note had a huge impact.  Now, even more, I will recommend him to anyone I know who has an eye issue.

Not a text, not an email but an old fashioned handwritten note.  Journalist and humorist Willie Geist once wrote, "I'm pretty sure people are going to start writing letters again once the email fad passes."  We know now that that didn’t happen; in-fact the email gave way to the text.  If you want to communicate with impact, try writing a handwritten note and see if you don’t become a believer.

 

 Success and Failure are Inseparable 

C.S Lewis wrote that, “Failures are finger posts on the road to achievement.”  A fingerpost is a post bearing one or more signs, often terminating in a pointing finger.  Our failures are finger posts.  They provide needed direction and increase our understanding or knowledge.  So, failure is a guide and a gateway to success. 

As you move forwarding in pursuit of your prize, keep these five realities in mind:

1.   Failure increases empathy

2.   It is not about other people, you own it

3.   Heat assures the outcome

4.   Prepare for the recoil 

5.   Success and failure are inseparable

 

“Only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly.”                   

Robert F. Kennedy