Thank You & Diplomacy
In today’s society, it feels like we’re quick to polarize and villainize those with different views. There are countless reasons for this erosion of diplomacy, but I believe one small factor is the fading art of a simple “Thank You.” I hear it less than I used to as a kid, and I realize I offer thanks less often as well.
I’m working on saying “thank you” more often, and through that, I’ve noticed how easy it is to overlook gratitude in certain areas:
- Taking things for granted, like garbage collection, service workers, drive-through windows, and Starbucks mobile orders, cashiers, cart pushers.
- A sense of entitlement, which is especially dangerous. When one person feels they’re owed something and another expects gratitude in return, bad feelings can build quickly.
My mom would probably laugh at the irony of this post. As a kid, she made me write thank-you notes after every birthday and Christmas party. I often spent more time trying to avoid writing those notes than it would’ve taken to just sit down and do them! It’s funny to see the same story play out with my own kids now. Looking back, though, I see the value in that lesson.
There are so many ways to express thanks:
- Saying “thank you” with a smile
- Lending a helping hand
- Sending a quick text, DM, or email
- Making a phone call
- Offering a small gift
- Doing a favor
- Bringing someone a cup of coffee
- Writing a hand-written thank-you note
If you’re not sure where to start with increasing your gratitude, try beginning or ending your day by reflecting on what you’re grateful for. You’ll quickly come up with a list of “thank yous.”
You may have heard around the office, “Hey, thanks for coming in today”, coined by a Wink. While there’s some humor in the phrasing, at its core, it’s an authentic sentiment. I’m genuinely thankful for each of you who comes in day after day, putting in the effort and being part of this team.
Let’s make “thank you” part of our everyday culture—small gestures go a long way in building a positive environment.
I’m working on saying “thank you” more often, and through that, I’ve noticed how easy it is to overlook gratitude in certain areas:
- Taking things for granted, like garbage collection, service workers, drive-through windows, and Starbucks mobile orders, cashiers, cart pushers.
- A sense of entitlement, which is especially dangerous. When one person feels they’re owed something and another expects gratitude in return, bad feelings can build quickly.
My mom would probably laugh at the irony of this post. As a kid, she made me write thank-you notes after every birthday and Christmas party. I often spent more time trying to avoid writing those notes than it would’ve taken to just sit down and do them! It’s funny to see the same story play out with my own kids now. Looking back, though, I see the value in that lesson.
There are so many ways to express thanks:
- Saying “thank you” with a smile
- Lending a helping hand
- Sending a quick text, DM, or email
- Making a phone call
- Offering a small gift
- Doing a favor
- Bringing someone a cup of coffee
- Writing a hand-written thank-you note
If you’re not sure where to start with increasing your gratitude, try beginning or ending your day by reflecting on what you’re grateful for. You’ll quickly come up with a list of “thank yous.”
You may have heard around the office, “Hey, thanks for coming in today”, coined by a Wink. While there’s some humor in the phrasing, at its core, it’s an authentic sentiment. I’m genuinely thankful for each of you who comes in day after day, putting in the effort and being part of this team.
Let’s make “thank you” part of our everyday culture—small gestures go a long way in building a positive environment.
