"Good leadership" (What does it include?)

Link: A good leader offers reality check, thank yous

"Leadership is concerned with intimacy, intimacy with the substance of the work and with the people you serve," DuPree writes. "Leaders are concerned with substance, not artifice."

I must have gotten it from my mom...I am a HUGE fan of the art of "The Thank You."

You've heard the saying, "What goes around, comes around."

Recently, I received a note from someone I worked for one day long ago. They'd seen a short addition I submitted to the United Airlines in-flight magazine, Hemispheres. She shared with me that she had "forgotten about meeting me. But when I saw your name in the magazine, I remembered the 'thank you' card you sent just after coming to our organization."

Now, I don't know if I will ever work for this person again, but I called and we had a nice "catch-up" talk on the phone. I shared with her on the phone that I have a goal of sending at least 5 "gratitude" notes a week. Whether they are handwritten (preference) or electronic, I strive to let at least 5 people know I am thankful for all they do.

I made it easy to do... I travel with thank you cards in my briefcase. I have written my return address, and placed a first-class stamp on the front. I've even put in one of my business cards... just so they have my current contact information. Then, as I go to client meetings, restaurants, hotels, airports, etc., and as I am so inspired, I take out a card, write 3-4 paragraphs of thanks, and drop it in the mail.

If you're curious, here's what I write:

Paragraph #1: I was the customer/vendor who...
Paragraph #2: You helped me by...
Paragraph #3: I am grateful because...
Paragraph #4: If ever I can return the favor...

It takes only about 5 or 10 minutes, but boy is it worth it at the end.

...I feel great!

Comments

[Jason W. Womack, MEd, MA]

Hey, thanks for this... you know what's amazing is I have heard people say how "impersonal" such gift cards can be.

But, wait, if I get a "bookstore" gift card, and go get a book that changes something about me or my life and then TELL that person that that's what they got me...doesn't that make it a little more personal?

I'm beginning to think that the MOST personal thing we can do is to let others know they're appreciated.

Thanks for this perspective...

[commodore]

I write thank you cards whenever invited to a special gathering, get a gift and such. Especially after I have used the gift so the person knows how it affected me.

As mundane as the plastic gift card is, to let the person know you enjoyed the meal and what you ate, or their home depot card help purchase what items for a project that is prominent in the house.

I think far to often we are recipients of blessings and virtue and we let it go unnoticed and unappreciated.