How To Write a Thank-You Note?

Note from Yann: ?? Hey readers! I’m Yann A?tBachir , every week, I share my practical guidance to help to grow in your career.

In today's article, the 16th in this series, it is just a super practical way to enhance your reputation and promotes positive culture in your work space.

It is old-school, but it works very well, I use it weekly.

?? If you like this content, share it to your connections.

So, I was cleaning up my desk on Monday and I stumbled upon this old handwritten thank-you note from a former mentor while going through some old boxes.

It totally brought back a ton of awesome memories and made me realize how much that simple gesture of gratitude meant to me.

In the hustle of our jobs, we often rely on emails and quick Slack messages to express our thanks. But those can be pretty impersonal and easily get lost in the inbox chaos.

On the other hand, a handwritten note has a special touch. It shows that you put in the time and effort to express your gratitude, which makes a lasting impression. ?

If you have already worked with me, it is likely that you have received a thank-you note, as I typically write approximately three cards each week.

In this article, I would like to share my approach to writing notes.

Why Thank-You Notes Matter

Thank-you notes are more than just a polite gesture; they're a powerful tool for building and nurturing relationships.

They show appreciation, foster goodwill, and leave a positive impression that can open doors to future opportunities. ???

The act of writing a note by hand adds a personal touch that can't be replicated by a digital message. It shows the recipient that you value them enough to invest your time and effort in expressing your gratitude.

The Ripple Effect of Gratitude

Expressing gratitude through thank-you notes not only benefits the recipient but also creates a positive ripple effect in the workplace.

It fosters a culture of appreciation, boosts morale, and encourages others to follow suit.

When people feel valued and appreciated, they're more likely to go the extra mile, be engaged in their work, and contribute to a positive and productive work environment. ??

A Thank-You Note is NOT About Asking for Favors

It's important to remember that a thank-you note is a gesture of genuine appreciation, not a tool for soliciting favors or creating obligations.

Never include requests or questions in your note; it diminishes the sincerity of your gratitude and can leave a negative impression. ??

Leave a Lasting Impression

How many Slack messages or emails do you remember from a week ago? Probably not many.

But a handwritten note? That's something people tend to keep and cherish.

It's a physical reminder of your appreciation that can brighten someone's day long after it's received. ??

Tips for Thank-You Notes

1?? Reflect and personalize

Take a moment to think about the specific impact the person or their actions had on you. The more specific and personal your note, the more meaningful it will be. ??

Mention specific details about what you're thankful for, and how it made a difference to you.

2?? Go beyond the obvious

Thank people for things they might not expect, like their hard work, a kind gesture, or simply being a great colleague.

It's a surefire way to brighten their day and strengthen your connection. ??

Show appreciation for the little things, the efforts that often go unnoticed but contribute to a positive work environment

3?? Make it timely

The sooner you send your note, the better.

A timely note shows that their actions are fresh in your mind and that you genuinely appreciate them.

No need to worry; it's never too late to express your gratitude. I several times gave a card several months late, and it was still received with appreciation.

4?? Handwritten is best

While a typed note is better than nothing, a handwritten note adds a personal touch that can't be replicated.

Your handwriting adds a unique element to the message, making it even more special. ??

5?? Keep it concise and sincere

Express your gratitude in a few well-chosen words.

No BS. Avoid overly formal language or clichés. Let your sincerity shine through. ??

6?? Upgrade Your Stationery Game

Apple fans often hold on to the original packaging because of the brand's reputation, making them value even the cardboard box.

So choose high quality stationary. A well-crafted card shows that you put thought into your message and increases the chances of it being kept and treasured.

See if they offer company stationery or cards you can use. Otherwise, shop online, there are tons of great options available for personalized or professional stationery. It is cheap.

My Simple Template

As I am writing weekly, I have refined my process and I stick to one template. It helps to be more effective. You can re-use it or improve it.

Paragraph 1

• 1 sentence only.
• Express your thanks clearly and specifically.?

Thank you for taking the time to meet with me yesterday.

Paragraph 2

• 1-2 sentences.
• Add a personal touch, mentioning something specific about the interaction or how their actions impacted you.

Your insights on the customer relation were truly inspiring. They have given me a lot to think about.

Paragraph 3

• 1 sentence.
• Reiterate your thanks and offer well wishes.?
• Focus on the future but do not make any ask!

Thank you again for your guidance and I look forward to staying in touch.

Remember to proofread. A quick check for spelling or grammar errors shows that you care about the quality of your message. Handwriting doesn’t have grammarly to help.

The presentation matters. Choose a nice card or stationery that reflects your professionalism and the occasion. Slow down, use your best handwriting.

About the content, the most important thing is to express your sincere gratitude. DO not overthink it.

?? Tip: For remote worker and WFH, yes it is possible to send it via a courier or the post. It works even better.

A handwritten thank-you note is a small investment of time that can yield significant returns in building strong relationships and fostering a positive work environment.

So, Start small, but start now. And do it often.

You can set the foundation for stronger professional relationships, a more positive work environment and enhance your reputation.

Note from Yann: ?? Hey folks! Thanks for reading.

This was the 16h edition of the Simple Leader's Playbook.

I just passed the bar of 1,000 subscribers and thank you all for your support by liking, commenting and re-sharing this newsletter. ??

See you next week.

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