The Untapped Magic of Saying “Thank You” at Work
Discover 6 essential tips to harness gratitude and dramatically improve your work relationships — before it’s too late.
Some bosses truly find it hard to show gratitude.
I remember a time during my agency days when the absence of two simple words created a chasm wider than the Grand Canyon.
“Thank you” — that’s all it would have taken for our boss to bridge the gap.
Yet, in the hustle of deadlines and client meetings, those words remained an elusive treasure. The result? A team that gradually lost its sparkle, feeling more like cogs in a machine rather than valued members of a creative powerhouse.
Have you ever considered the potent power tucked within “Thank you”?
As leaders, we often find ourselves caught in the tangle of targets and timelines, so much so that we forget a fundamental truth: appreciation isn’t just nice; it’s necessary.
The Misunderstood Value of Appreciation
Here’s a truth bomb that might surprise you: If your team doesn’t hear or feel your appreciation, they might as well assume it doesn’t exist.
This holds true even for your star players, those who bask in hefty paychecks and wield significant sway within the team. The absence of explicitly expressed appreciation can make them feel invisible, undervalued, and taken for granted over time.
You might think, “Well, I pay them well, and they’re a crucial part of the team. Isn’t that appreciation enough?” It seems logical, right?
But here’s where we miss the mark: showing appreciation goes beyond tangible rewards. It’s about vocalizing and acknowledging their value, something even the most self-assured team member craves.
Why “Thank You” Matters
In a workspace swirling with uncertainties, competition, and changes, your team seeks a beacon of validation.
They need to know where they stand in the eyes of someone important enough for it to count.
It is not a mere pat on the back; however, it is regarding the validation from the leader of their worth and contribution to the success of the team.
Think back, when was the last time you said to your team:
“I truly value the hard work and commitment you bring to our team.”
“Your unique insights significantly contribute to our team’s success.”
“Thank you for being so committed to our shared objectives.”
“Your knowledge and experience are vital assets to our team’s growth.”
“Your diligent efforts play a crucial role in our achievements. Thank you.”
“Your insights are invaluable to both me and the team.”
“I’m grateful for your trust in our shared goals.”
These phrases, while simple, are powerful. They’re the unsung heroes in the symphony of team morale.
The Silent Echo of Unexpressed Gratitude
A leader who does not speak out the words of appreciation misses one of the vitals which defines him or her as a leader.
Every one of us has an innate need to be recognized and appreciated, especially by people we hold high. Appreciation reverberates like an echo on the walls of great teams, creating a culture of respect and spreading thankfulness among individuals.
Think of appreciation as a boomerang. When you throw it out, it comes back with added benefits.
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” — William Arthur Ward
As Ward put it, give your team a present of positivity by recognizing their contributions, you’re likely to see more of those qualities blossom.
The Leader’s Guide to Expressing Gratitude
Expressing gratitude is not rocket science, but it takes a little heart and strategy. Here are six communication tips to effectively express your appreciation:
Tip 1. Personalize Your Praise: When you express gratitude, make it personal. Tailor your message to acknowledge specific contributions. Saying, “Your innovative approach on the XYZ project saved us hours!” feels more genuine than a generic “good job.”
Tip 2. Timing is Key: Don’t wait for the annual review to show appreciation. Timely gratitude right after a team member’s achievement amplifies its impact. It shows you’re attentive and proactive in recognizing their efforts.
Tip 3. Public Recognition: Recognize achievements in team meetings or company newsletters. Public appreciation not only boosts morale for the individual but also sets a positive tone across the team, encouraging others to strive for excellence.
Tip 4. One-on-One Conversations: Sometimes, a private word of thanks can be more powerful. It creates an intimate space for sincere communication and can be particularly effective for those who might shy away from public attention.
Tip 5. Written Words: Never underestimate the power of a handwritten note or a thoughtful email. In our digital age, the effort put into writing a personalized message goes a long way in showing genuine appreciation.
Tip 6. Consistent Communication: Make gratitude a regular practice, not an afterthought. Embed it in your daily leadership style. Regular acknowledgement of your team’s hard work and dedication builds a culture of appreciation and mutual respect.
Remember, as a leader, your words have the power to uplift and inspire. Use them wisely and watch your team thrive under the wings of genuine appreciation.
Final thoughts
Don’t let appreciation be the forgotten tool in your leadership toolbox.
A bit of acknowledgment can turn an average day into a memorable one, transform mundane tasks into sources of pride, and morph a group of individuals into a unified force.
I’ve seen it firsthand. Every time I’ve hit pause to acknowledge someone’s effort, the team’s vibe shifts noticeably. It’s like discovering a hidden level of collective potential.
So, fellow leaders, let’s take a breather, reflect, and dish out those “thank yous.” Let’s wield appreciation like a master craftsman, not just building teams, but forging tribes united by respect and shared goals. Believe me, the ripples of those two words can create waves.
Thank you for reading!
Feel free to comment too, feedback is always good!
If you would like more articles like this, I invite you to subscribe to me on Medium, subscribe to The Mogul Message newsletter, or follow me on 𝕏!