The Impact of Gratitude on Your Professional Image
Posted on Tue, Dec 27, 2011
Photo credit: BB Collection
by Meghan Keneally
My parents were strict when it came to manners, and the day after a birthday or Christmas was always filled with the dreaded thank-you notes. At the time, I saw it as a pain and old-fashioned tradition. Why, I thought, would I have to write a letter when I could just tell them thanks when I see them next? Or, as the years progressed, just text or e-mail a quick ‘Thank you’?
Regardless of my persistent arguments as a child, I kept up with my thank-you notes and still write them to this day. A recent study, however, puts me in the minority.
A poll done by Today’s Moms and Parenting.com said that only 30 percent of parents make their children write thank-you notes for holiday gifts. And the lack of courtesy doesn’t stop there as fewer and fewer grown adults write thank-you notes after receiving a present or being taken out to dinner.
Not only is diligent gratitude a sign of respect, consideration for others and good manners, but it is also scientifically proven to help improve our brain function. In two different studies by Dr. Daniel Amen and Dr. Noelle Nelson proved that positive thoughts, appreciation for others, and a recognition of gratitude will make our brains work better. Read more about in our previous post: http://www.etiquetteoutreach.com/blog_new-york-etiquette-guide/bid/60057/Etiquette-Daily-Gratitude-Improves-Our-Brain-Function
By taking the time to thank people in a personalized way for their thoughtful acts can help us be more appreciative and fulfilled businesspeople. One way to do so, as Dr. Amen suggests, is to write a list of five things we are grateful for everyday. Another- which is particularly apt in the holiday season- is to write timely and thoughtful thank-you notes.
These notes, while certainly harkening back to an antiquated tradition, do leave a very positive impression on the recipient. It shows that you value your business associates and appreciate the time and effort that they went through on your behalf.
In an ideal world, everyone should send thoughtful, handwritten notes on personalized stationary. That, however, is sometimes unrealistic. An alternative, yet less formal and appropriate option, is to write a tailored e-mail expressing your gratitude. While an e-mail is more fitting in this fast-paced, electronic-based world, it is always the secondary choice.
By taking the time to say thank you and show gratitude, you leave a lasting impression as a grateful, well-mannered, and thoughtful individual. In addition to being inherently helpful when dealing with business clients, those are also traits that anyone would be happy to have in a friend, so you should practice gratitude in both your personal and business lives!