What do you do right after someone refers a new client to you? How do you handle gifts from satisfied customers? What do you say after receiving a compliment? And how many times do you get invited for cocktails?
What? You say you've never received any of these in your life. You don't believe in Santa Clause or the Tooth Fairy. And people are too busy thinking about themselves to pay any attention to you.
What's up with that?
In today's "me, myself and I" society we tend to forget there are people who do nice things for us. It could be the gentleman opening the entrance door, the maid who does more than expected cleaning our house, or the prominent socialite inviting us for brunch. They thought enough about us to go the extra step. Wouldn't it be rewarding to let them know that we appreciate them?
I'm on Sondra Thiederman's website. I've never met her. She speaks on diversity in the workplace. I really enjoyed her article and had to let her know:
"Enjoyed you article, Imus in Us. You walk your talk. Appreciate your
honesty. We all could learn to become better human beings."
Sondra replies:
"Tommy: Your kind e-mail was such a lovely way to end the week. Thanks for
the words of support. We all just have to do the best we can."
Wow, I made her week with four short sentences. Amazing. We all have that power within us to brighten up someone's life. And it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. What people really want on a deeper level is to feel important and appreciated.
One afternoon, I'm at a wealthy socialite's home for a potluck. Her back yard butts up against a golf course. She is an avid bridge player and once played adjacent to both Bill Gates and Warren Buffet's table.
Someone was making a speech in the patio. She instinctively checks if she's blocking anyone's view and moves aside. She's thinking about others first. What a kind and gracious gesture. The party was a huge success because she made it so.
Afterwards, I was compelled to send her a thank you card. I made sure to do it first thing in the morning. Wouldn't she be surprised to receive a card from someone she just met the previous day?
I'm suggesting these little acts of gratitude do matter. They speak volumes about you. People don't forget your appreciation.
Now if you are grateful and reply with kind acts, will people always appreciate them? I'm afraid not. Usually it may not be their entire fault. I believe most of us receive so little appreciation growing up we don't quite know how to respond.
But the majority of times people will light up with a smile. And maybe reciprocate with a kind gesture or warm words. It's this spirit of giving and holding people, even strangers, in high regard that reveals your inner-character.
So if a motorist lets you into the flow of traffic, give him a thank-you wave. If someone baked chocolate chip cookies for your sick child, give her a hug. If a crew was painting your house, invite them inside for lunch. You'll see that a little gratitude can go a long way to brighten up someone's day.
What? You say you've never received any of these in your life. You don't believe in Santa Clause or the Tooth Fairy. And people are too busy thinking about themselves to pay any attention to you.
What's up with that?
In today's "me, myself and I" society we tend to forget there are people who do nice things for us. It could be the gentleman opening the entrance door, the maid who does more than expected cleaning our house, or the prominent socialite inviting us for brunch. They thought enough about us to go the extra step. Wouldn't it be rewarding to let them know that we appreciate them?
I'm on Sondra Thiederman's website. I've never met her. She speaks on diversity in the workplace. I really enjoyed her article and had to let her know:
"Enjoyed you article, Imus in Us. You walk your talk. Appreciate your
honesty. We all could learn to become better human beings."
Sondra replies:
"Tommy: Your kind e-mail was such a lovely way to end the week. Thanks for
the words of support. We all just have to do the best we can."
Wow, I made her week with four short sentences. Amazing. We all have that power within us to brighten up someone's life. And it doesn't have to cost a lot of money. What people really want on a deeper level is to feel important and appreciated.
One afternoon, I'm at a wealthy socialite's home for a potluck. Her back yard butts up against a golf course. She is an avid bridge player and once played adjacent to both Bill Gates and Warren Buffet's table.
Someone was making a speech in the patio. She instinctively checks if she's blocking anyone's view and moves aside. She's thinking about others first. What a kind and gracious gesture. The party was a huge success because she made it so.
Afterwards, I was compelled to send her a thank you card. I made sure to do it first thing in the morning. Wouldn't she be surprised to receive a card from someone she just met the previous day?
I'm suggesting these little acts of gratitude do matter. They speak volumes about you. People don't forget your appreciation.
Now if you are grateful and reply with kind acts, will people always appreciate them? I'm afraid not. Usually it may not be their entire fault. I believe most of us receive so little appreciation growing up we don't quite know how to respond.
But the majority of times people will light up with a smile. And maybe reciprocate with a kind gesture or warm words. It's this spirit of giving and holding people, even strangers, in high regard that reveals your inner-character.
So if a motorist lets you into the flow of traffic, give him a thank-you wave. If someone baked chocolate chip cookies for your sick child, give her a hug. If a crew was painting your house, invite them inside for lunch. You'll see that a little gratitude can go a long way to brighten up someone's day.
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