5 Reasons to Say ‘Thank You!’ More Often
Sometimes, saying thank you can feel rote, habitual, and therefore maybe
even a little pointless. If you thank people the way we were taught as
children, you’re doing it all day long — for holding the door, handing
you the stapler, or for answering a quick question. Thank you, thank
you, and thanks so much … the gestures of gratitude can really start
feel redundant when you work very closely with people. The opportunities
to thank are abundant, and you might feel a little silly when you
realize that you have exchanged 30-plus thank-yous before lunch. So, if
its meaning is reduced by over-use, should we abandon the thank you?
Absolutely not — and here’s why.
1. It’s kind.
And, it’s good to be kind. Saying thank you isn’t a big deal,
especially in a sort of quick and off-handed way, but it’s nice. You’re
adding to the general atmosphere here, (of your workplace and your
specific work relationships), and moving things in a positive direction.
2. It’s so easy.
Why not say thank you?! If it’s a habit, and no big deal, then what’s
the cost? It’s not going to hurt anything, only help. So, go for it.
3. It’s respectful.
Even if your partner or team member knows you value him, and you send
as much assistance his way as he does yours, saying thank you is still
the respectful and right thing to do. Professional relationships need to
be nurtured, just like any relationship. And, nothing is more important
to maintaining a healthy relationship than respect.
4. People notice when you don’t.
You know that person who never says thank you even when it’s really
obvious that they should? Yeah, you kind of think he’s a jerk, don’t
you? You wouldn’t want to be that guy. Sometimes, it makes sense to say
thank you if for no other reason than it would be rude not to.
5. It lifts relationships up in surprising ways.
Since saying thank you is kind, respectful, and obviously
appreciative; and, it does something to a relationship when both people
use it a lot. It lends a certain level of warmth to the connection that
feels reliable, safe, and consistent. It makes you smile. It helps you
feel present. It makes you feel like you’re in this together somehow.
The kicker? When people don’t say thank you, the exact opposite is true.
source: www.payscale.com
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