The Timing and Importance of Gratitude

by Ronnie Nijmeh

Published on this site: May 9th, 2004

We've said it before and we'll say it again: Gratitude is key. Key. It's key to success. It's key to maintaining and enhancing relationships. It's key to persuading people. It's key, period. When was the last time you said "thank you"?

There's a team of people behind you who've been helping shape and inspire you. Do they know how important they are? Do you tell them?

Let me give you two true and exceptional stories that I've encountered when it comes to expressing gratitude. One story coming from the business world and the other from the political landscape. I encourage you to consider implementing the strategies from the stories below into your business and daily living.

In Business... The Context: A meeting was called to discuss the future plans for a project. During the meeting, opinions were flying around the table and each person's comments were instrumental for the meeting organizer and team to determine the next steps.

The Expression of Gratitude: While a generic: "Thanks everyone for your input" at the end of the meeting would have been sufficient, the meeting organizer wanted to take it a step further. He made a special trip a few minutes after the meeting to the desk of the meeting attendees and thanked them personally for their input and participation. He went way out of his way and said: "Thanks Ronnie for your time and your help with this. I really appreciate it and I'm glad to be working with you!"

The Moral: Go that extra mile. Taking the extra few steps to simply say thanks is immediately noticed and will shock the crowd. It's an unexpected and refreshing change from the unappreciative nature of the majority. By being outward with your appreciation, you're differentiating yourself from the crowd and you will be perceived as a passionate and respectful person. To take it even further, you'll be in a better position to rally the troops, sway your friend's opinion, or persuade people. So going a little bit farther than expected can really have some exceptional and positive consequences.

In Politics... The Context: During the city-wide elections, a candidate for the local councillor position by the name of Glenn De Baeremaeker stood beside a busy intersection early in the morning waving at the passing cars with "Vote for Glenn" signs surrounding him. It was a welcomed change to see a politician completely alone, standing out in the cold with a huge smile on his face ecstatically waving at passing by cars, especially during the early morning rush. Well, he was elected to the city council! His unique and more down-to-earth method of self- promotion may or may not have won the race but I can assure that it did not go unnoticed.

The Expression of Gratitude: To think Glenn would just wash his hands and enjoy his new job would be an understatement of Glenn's character. So what did he do? Well, he went to the same intersection days after the election, took his signs with him, but this time -- I'm not kidding you -- the signs said: "Thank You!" and he was standing alone with his trademark smile waving profusely at the passing by cars.

The Moral: Wow! Glenn gets it! His personal touch, considerate character and expression of gratitude obviously pleased voters.
It sure made him appear a lot more human and his voters could identify with him on a more personal level. He didn't put himself on an unreachable pedestal or seem unapproachable, instead, he put himself on the same level as those of whom he represents. But to take this a step farther, let's think about the people who did support him.

How do you think his voters felt when they saw their local councillor-elect out there in the cold days after the election with a giant "thank you" sign? Did Glenn have to do it? He already won his seat! Well, just like our friend in the business world, Glenn wanted to take it a step further. He made his voters feel proud of their decision. There won't be any voters remorse when they see such a considerate, down-to-earth person elected by their votes. After all, he's out there taking the time out to say "thank you" when he could have stayed in his heated house and slept in.

I applaud both our businessperson and politician for their creativity and attentiveness!

Take a Step Back and Suck it All In Take a step back. In doing so, you'll be able to see all of the people that were behind you from the beginning. Then you'll start appreciating just how much they've helped you along the way. Take the time out to thank them for their support, understanding, and thoughtfulness. Let them know just how much they've affected you.

Just remember that for each success you encounter, there are a number of others around you -- your family, friends, mentors, business partners, employees and managers -- who had a hand in it. Just like our businessperson and politician, put a little effort into expressing your gratitude. Bend over backwards to appreciate all those positive influences in your life. Not only will they feel special and valuable, but so will you!

I'd encourage you to take the time out to thank those around you who've been crucial to your success and well-being. Be thankful that you're not alone!

Spend today to email, call or visit your friends, family, business associates, or spouses, especially those of whom haven't received a "thank you" from you recently. Tell them how you feel!

In the spirit of gratitude: thank you for reading our articles on ACQYR. We can't begin to tell you how much we appreciate your time and your feedback. Don't hesitate to drop us a line with your comments.

© Copyright 2004, Ronnie Nijmeh, ACQYR.com. The ACQYR team provides the masses with witty yet strategic ideas leading to self- improvement and growth. For more information and exciting, fresh motivational articles, visit: http://www.acqyr.com Live. Learn. ACQYR