When my son was making a ridiculously long list of guests he wanted to have come to his birthday party, I said to him, “Remember for every guest that brings you a gift, you will need to write a thank you note.” I think I also caught an eye-roll in there, as well, but I was serious. He paused long enough to weigh the work of writing notes against the excitement of getting gifts.
Handwritten notes are few and far between these days, which is precisely why I think they are so important. Notes require us to slow down, create thoughtful sentences and reflect on the receiver.
Do a little research and you will see apps that send a handwritten note for you (cue MY eye-roll) but a handwritten note is indeed special. I bet you can remember a few you have received. I have an envelope of notes I have received over the course of my career. Whenever I stumble upon it I can’t help but sit down and read through the notes and savor them, like I was enjoying a glass of fine wine. I consider myself very blessed to have so much of my career defined by notes from bosses, colleagues and clients.
The notes I treasure the most were from my first boss in the PR business, David Nixon, (CEO of InformedDNA) as well as “thank you” notes from my former boss at GolinHarris, Fred Cook (now Director of the USC Center for Public Relations). Those notes mean so much to me., especially knowing that these incredibly busy and sought-after professionals took time to think of me. The words affirmed me; they made me want to work harder and smarter. They still make me smile and conjure up wonderful memories.
Post-holidays is a great time to write handwritten notes to staff or clients who have given you a gift, but don’t limit yourself to the holidays. If you see something, say something…in a handwritten note. It really does carry weight and it brands you as thoughtful, precise, timely and motivated employee.
I keep a box of notecards at my desk and in my kitchen, so I can write when I am moved to do so. Immediately – just getting it done so it’s not added to my to-do list.
Take one minute to write down names of three people who have moved you or surprised you with their attitude, results or vision. Then write them a note. You’ll love how it makes you feel and you’ll reap rewards for how it makes others feel.