Image credit: How to Say “Thank You” in 58 Languages

And meaning it. That’s the thing here; not just to say thanks but to actually mean it. Because us Brits aren’t very good at praising people and expressing gratitude. We tend to sound either like we’ve been on some kind of motivational course, or like we’re being sarcastic. “Thanks for doing that report for me, Sarah – great to have it BEFORE the deadline.” “Fuck you, Brian, I put a lot of work into that and I’m always on time!” See?

So say thank you when people do things that help you. Firing off a quick email to a colleague or a supplier who answers a question or pulls something out of the bag for you takes no time and costs nothing. And buying them a bar of chocolate or a bottle of wine occasionally doesn’t cost a lot more. Saying thank you, and meaning it, is common courtesy. And yet often it’s missing from the workplace, especially among seniors.

Praise people. Practice it. “Great idea on the Kev’s Kebabs account, Tracy. Thank you.” “You really contributed to that meeting, George. Cheers!” “You look hot today, Lorraine! My day’s looking a lot brighter…” Well OK, maybe not the last one.

But amazing things happen when everyone says thank you and means it. They grow closer. They work better together. And the entire workplace becomes a happier and more productive environment where people feel genuinely appreciated. Go try it…

Weekend Wisdom is a series of posts of simple things that inspire me to live and work in a more mindful manner.

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Posted by Paul Sutton