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Who do you need to thank most in your life?

As we end teacher appreciation week, I couldn’t help but think of all our teachers do for kids. They work endlessly to help students achieve more each day. I also thought of what we gain from our students. The lives and experiences our students bring to us each day must be looked at as learning opportunities for adults. Lastly, the greatest example of giving and teaching are our mothers. They deserve the greatest thank you, for their never-ending support. We have many key players in our lives, but the greatest player is mom. Happy Mother’s Day to the greatest leaders and teachers of all time.

The easiest way we can show appreciation, is a verbal thank you. Telling others, we appreciate them is best done immediately, with specifics to what we appreciate them for. It is the easiest and cheapest way to say thank you. Verbally communicating to others is the most meaningful for them. Unfortunately, we tend to forget how simple it is to just say thanks for all they do. As we progress through our day, we have many interactions with others. We think very little about these brief moments. Within these moments, are hidden acts of others that bring value to us. A brief exchange with a rude store clerk, reminds us of the importance of showing kindness to others. We learn from these moments. Thanking people who appear to be having a bad day could totally turn around their day to improve the next exchange they have.       

Actions speak louder than words. We all have heard this many times in our lives, but usually when we made a mistake that offended someone or need to correct a behavior of some kind. We should also argue that taking an action to show appreciation is equally important. What we could accomplish with a handwritten note thanking a coworker, can add to that relationship and improve that person’s day. Tangible items are great ways to say thank you. Buy someone a coffee or offer a treat of chocolate helps smooth out the wrinkles in their day.        

Our greatest mistake is not seeing the good people do. We fail when we don’t acknowledge their efforts as they go above and beyond what is asked of them. In leadership, we don’t always see ourselves making this mistake. We appreciate our people and would never intentionally not offer a simple thank you, but it happens. I know I fall short in this area. We get so caught up in our days and focus exclusively on tasks, that we don’t stop to share our appreciation.            

Who do you need to speak to today by sharing your appreciation for them?

What actions are you willing to take to show you appreciate your people?

How have you missed opportunities to acknowledge others?

What key individual could you call right now to say thank you?   

I must give a shout out to the moms in my life. My mom, who has taught me so much and loved me unconditionally. My mother-in-law, who welcomed me with open arms and trusted me with her daughter. Finally, my beautiful wife who has allowed me to chase my dreams and brought four great kids into this world. I cannot thank each of them enough! I hope you can communicate your appreciation to the moms in your life. Have a fabulous week, as you seek out people to thank and show you appreciate them.                       

Steven C. Bucks-Leading Conversations