A client and I recently enjoyed a discussion about expressing gratitude; a very important leadership skill. The most important thing about gratitude is the sincerity with which it is given. An expression of thanks rooted in the heart will go a long way toward employee loyalty, retention, and continued good effort and positive contribution. Cross-functional support and partnerships can also be enhanced by taking just a moment to thank associates from other departments who help you and yours.
That being said, frontline leaders often want to do more than just say thanks. But, usually, they don’t have a budget for such things. Here are some quick, easy, creative and inexpensive ideas to express gratitude and encouragement to a co-worker, whether a direct report or peer:
- A handwritten notecard, perhaps even signed by everyone on your team.
- A box of popsicles (great on a hot day, need to have access to a freezer!)
- Cookies / muffins / bagels / brownies
- Candy bars with these “clever” little notes attached:
- Kudos brand granola bar – Kudos to you for _____!
- 100 Grand bar – We wouldn’t trade you for 100 grand!
- a box of DOTS – Thanks for helping us connect the dots.
- Smarties – Thanks for the great idea. You are such a smartie!
- Mounds bar – Thanks for the mounds of work you did on _____.
- Extra gum – Thanks for the extra effort on _________.
- Lifesavers – Thanks for being such a lifesaver!
- M&Ms – You are Marvelous & Magnificent!
- Peanuts – We are nuts about our (dept name) partners!
- Chips Ahoy or potato chips – Thanks for “chipping” in!
- Crunch bar – Thanks for helping us though crunch time!
You get the idea. When it comes to appreciation, it really is the thought that counts. Gratefully acknowledging the contributions of your team members or partners is important, but don’t make it harder than it needs to be. A small thing really can make a big difference!
