Bobby Brannigan of Valore Books argues that in a day of corporate perks, picnics, and parties, the most valued (and least expensive) thank you remains the personal one.
While I’m by no means suggesting that the annual holiday party be canceled, I am stating that no company-wide bash will take the place of a sincere and unrehearsed thank you in front of colleagues. Better yet, doing so just cost a dime, but will provide huge returns in terms of productivity and employee retention. Public praise from superiors may be in short supply for some companies. For mine, however, we bank on it!
He gives five “Be’s”
Be often: Make it a point that when an opportunity presents itself, even one that would warrant nothing more than a simple “Atta Boy” or “Atta Girl,” do it.
Be sincere: Let the “Thank Yous” come naturally. Don’t try to overdue or over think them. It will give people the belief that you don’t really care and may come across in the exact opposite way that you intended. Be spontaneous: Don’t wait until a week or two later to congratulate an individual for their hard work. Do it on the spot and in front of others if possible. Praising in public is a great way to boost an entire team’s spirits. Be everywhere: Get out from behind the desk and go to where the folks you wish to thank actually work. Your kind words will go much farther. Be encouraging: Convince others to take your lead in providing praise to co-workers and direct reports. It will infuse this practice within your corporate culture.My redemptive-historical friends are probably already reaching for the comments box. Just before you go, can I say that the most “thank-full” people I’ve come across have always been those who loved the Gospel most. Those who cannot stop thanking the Lord for what He has done for them overflow in thanks to others.
Also, it takes a considerable measure of humility to say “Thank you.” The thanker is saying “I have a need that you have supplied,” or “I don’t deserve what you have given me/done for me.” Neither of these thoughts or words come easily to proud sinners like us. We don’t usually want to admit our need and we deserve far more that we have, don’t we?
But believers in Christ have been humbled, they have been brought to see their need, and they confess that if deservingness is the criteria then hell is their destiny. But having been forgiven much, they love much, and they thank much.
This is what makes Gospel thanks so different from Corporate thanks. The words may be identical, but the motivation is very different. Corporate thanks is motivated by “huge returns in terms of productivity and employee retention.” Gospel thanks is motivated by huge forgiveness for huge sins.
Our corporate and ecclesiastical culture would be more “thank-full” if we were more “Gospel-full.”