2009 is coming to a close. End your year on the right note – by saying “thank you” to your team!

General kinds of appreciation are good; but specific acknowledgments are even better. Why?  Because it tells people you are really paying attention…to them. Here are some ideas…

• “This is what you did that really mattered to me, to our company, to our customers…” Give examples.
• “Look at what we accomplished this year. We could not have done it without you…” And then list what they did or provided or how they approached things that made THE difference.
• Share a memorable story that demonstrates who your employees are and what they do or did that you appreciate.

People want to know that they matter. Take this year-end opportunity to make your “thank yous” really count!

(For your reflection: Can you think of a “thank you” that stayed with you long after the message was delivered?  What made the difference for you?)