The power of two words

When was the last time you said "thank you"?

I read a lot about improving performance and what motivates different people. One thing that consistently comes through is when said with meaning and authenticity, a simple and effective use of two words can make someone smile and feel great!

Think about it from your own perspective. Whether the issues that you deal with are complex, or whether you are trying to influence new and different ways of doing things, you are likely to have invested in:

• Your own thinking and research
• Coerced or facilitated others to help you
• Planned well
• Delivered on your plan
• Adapted along the way

All of which have hopefully helped you succeed or at the very least enabled you to learn about what worked and didn't work, and/or try again!

But how does it feel after this investment, when someone looks for something good that came out of your process, and simply says "thank you". And it may be even more powerful when they are more specific – "thank you, I observed the challenges that you faced, the persistence that you showed to overcome them, and I appreciate the outcomes that have been delivered".

Two words are not a big investment – 10 seconds if you include the additional meaningful specific comments which support the two words.

My challenge to you is to try it. See what difference it makes to someone. Try it at home, try it at the supermarket or coffee shop, try it at work. Just two words.