How to “Thank You”

For over a decade, I taught debate. Sometimes I would have a student say: "I'm right." Okay, but why? (This "I'm right!" is called a claim. But you should supply some evidence to back it up.)

The same goes for "Thank you." If I tell someone at the store, "Thank you," it's a strange thing to say unless it's very obvious why I'm saying it. But in the organization, let's pretend it's never obvious. As an employee, people are expected to do many things, so it's a good thing to be specific.

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Here's a quick formula...

Good:

1. "I noticed what you did"

2. "This organization wouldn't be the same without you."

3. "We are different because of you (In a good way!)"

4. "Thank you."

Bad:

"Thanks, everyone!"

"Good job, everybody!"

Worst:

"Of course you're doing this job. We pay you to do this."

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If you want to get your team's attention in a serious way, thank them for the specific thing they've done. If you want to connect with your spouse or your kids or your parents, thank them: "You did this thing that was amazing. Thank you."

And if you want even more connection, thank them specifically and publicly.

But, don't wait for "thank you" to come your way. Why not start today by telling someone you're thankful for them? And tell them why!

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(PS-Thank you for reading this post. Without you, I'm just a creepy professor, alone in the summer in the corner of the library.)