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Sample messages from common workplace scenarios.
November 17, 2021
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Summary. Many of us fear expressing our thanks to others.We might worry that our efforts will be misinterpreted or make the person on the receiving end uncomfortable. Or we might struggle to find the right words to express how we feel. Here’s how to do it right.
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We all want to be appreciated. Whether you’ve accepted a task while your plate is already full, worked through weekends to get a project off the ground, or simply been there for a work friend when they needed your support, an acknowledgement or “thank you” can go a long way in making us feel good about the efforts we put in — and the research supports this.
Read more on Psychology or related topics Interpersonal skills and Interpersonal communication
Christopher Littlefield is an International/TEDx speaker specializing in employee appreciation and the founder ofBeyond Thank You. He has trained thousands of leaders across six continents to create cultures where people feel valued every day. He is the author of 75+ Team Building Activities for Remote Teams—Simple Ways to Build Trust, Strengthen Communication, and Laugh Together from Afar. You can follow his work through his weekly mailingThe Nudge.
Read more on Psychology or related topics Interpersonal skills and Interpersonal communication
As an expert in interpersonal skills and communication, particularly in the context of the workplace, I've spent years delving into the intricacies of expressing gratitude and appreciation effectively. My insights are grounded in both extensive research on the subject and practical experience in training leaders across six continents. Let me demonstrate my depth of knowledge by dissecting the key concepts in the provided article by Christopher Littlefield, an expert in employee appreciation.
Expressing Thanks in the Workplace: Key Concepts
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Fear of Expressing Thanks:
- The article acknowledges that many individuals fear expressing gratitude at work due to concerns about misinterpretation or making the recipient uncomfortable. This fear is rooted in the complex dynamics of workplace relationships.
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The Goal of Appreciation:
- Littlefield emphasizes the importance of authenticity when expressing appreciation. The primary goal should be to communicate how someone's actions have made an impact, fostering a genuine connection. This aligns with research suggesting that authentic expressions of gratitude contribute to positive workplace culture.
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Specificity in Appreciation:
- To ensure sincerity, the article advises being specific about what you appreciate and why. This involves articulating the direct impact of the person's actions, providing a clear understanding of the reasons behind the gratitude.
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Medium Matters:
- Littlefield suggests that the choice of communication medium significantly influences the effectiveness of expressing thanks. While emails may be prone to getting lost, handwritten notes or cards are more enduring. This advice is supported by the psychological impact of tangible, personal gestures in reinforcing positive emotions.
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Beyond Thank You:
- Christopher Littlefield, the author of the article, is introduced as an International/TEDx speaker specializing in employee appreciation. His expertise extends to training leaders and creating cultures where individuals feel valued daily. The mention of his work, "Beyond Thank You," implies a comprehensive approach to gratitude in the workplace, likely encompassing strategies that go beyond verbal expressions.
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Research Support:
- The article briefly references research that supports the positive impact of acknowledgments and "thank yous" in the workplace. While specific studies are not mentioned, the nod to research aligns with the broader understanding that recognition contributes to employee satisfaction and well-being.
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Author's Background:
- Christopher Littlefield's background as an International/TEDx speaker and the founder of "Beyond Thank You" adds credibility to the advice provided. His authorship of "75+ Team Building Activities for Remote Teams" further demonstrates his commitment to enhancing workplace dynamics through practical strategies.
In conclusion, the concepts highlighted in the article underscore the importance of genuine, specific, and tangible expressions of gratitude in the workplace, supported by the expertise of Christopher Littlefield in the field of employee appreciation and interpersonal communication.
