A Dozen Ways To Thank People Who Make A Difference!

Every day presents an opportunity for us to reflect and express appreciation to all the people with whom we have worked in the past and who continue to make a positive difference in our lives. When people feel appreciated, their spirits are lifted, motivation is increased and they just might pay it forward. Creating a culture of care in the workplace is always worth the effort. What are some practical ideas for how to say thank you? Here are a dozen meaningful ways to let colleagues know they make a positive difference.

1. Compliment your colleague where all can see. We don't get enough positive feedback in our lives. Most often, we only hear about what we are not doing well enough. Never underestimate the power of a kind word, affirmation, or thank you.

2. Put a card in a school mailbox for no particular reason except to say, "Thinking of You". Yes, I did mean a paper card in the physical mail box. We've become an email society. That just makes paper cards that much more special.

3. Find out what might be meaningful for the other person to hear or receive - and do it.

4. Give personal handwritten notes of thanks or congratulations (possibly mailed to his or her home). I had a boss once who would put sticky notes in his teacher's mailboxes with a kind word or kudos for a job well done. I've saved those sticky notes to this day because of how much those positive words meant to me.

5. Pass along positive comments from others.

6. Sponsor his or her special cause or charity.

7. Send birthday, Christmas, anniversary, and special-occasion cards to their home.

8. A small personal gift, uniquely appealing to their hobby or interest, can go a long way. This requires paying attention to what is important and meaningful for that person. That attention alone makes a statement.

9. Send reinforcing articles/books when you find one that you think s/he will appreciate. A magazine subscription is a monthly or quarterly reminder of your thoughtfulness.

10. Send a complimentary email or thank you message to his or her immediate supervisor/department head/principal, etc. and copy him or her.

11. Get someone to whom they've really made a difference to make a special presentation or award at a public event. If that gesture may be embarrassing, find an opportune time to present the award privately.

12. Return a report, lesson plan, or email with complimentary margin notes or messages on the quality of their work or importance of their contribution.


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