5 times you should write a thank you note (but might have overlooked)
At More Than Paper, we believe that the art of a writing a thank you note is not a lost cause. Now more than ever, we need to slow down and take the time to acknowledge others for their kindness. Many people think to send a thank you note for large acts (such as when a gift is received or you were a guest), but there are plenty of times that acknowledging a smaller act of kindness goes a long way. We’ve assembled 5 times when it’s appropriate to send a thank you note that tend to get overlooked.
Teachers are often celebrated during the holidays, Teacher Appreciation Week, and if they are lucky, a room parent will acknowledge their birthday. Often overlooked are our children’s coaches who are often volunteers in recreational leagues. These coaches have a tremendous impact on the trajectory of a young athlete and many character lessons are learned in sports. Coaches sacrifice evening time with their own family to hold practices, and time out of their weekend to coach at games. More than the time spent, Coaches are instrumental in your athlete’s self-esteem. They are building lifelong skills of resilience and teaching your child how to deal with defeat and how to be a gracious winner. A coach that not only teaches them fundamental skills of the sport, but also lifts up your athlete and teaches them how to be a good winner and loser, deserves recognition in a formalized way. A thank you note is a great way to do that!
If you’re involved in volunteer work, you often run across hardworking individuals who put their heart and soul into an event or activity routinely. Sometimes there are logical conclusions, such as an event fundraiser or an election of individuals to a Board of Directors. During those times, take the time you need to reflect on all the people who helped make that event a success, or their commitment to the organization. Closing the gap and acknowledging the contributions of others – big and small – will go a long way to building relationships.
Your Son or Daughter who did something RIGHT
Sometimes parenting feels just like correcting behavior that isn’t quite right. Sit up! Use your manners! Stop picking on your brother! Our job as parents is to point out what our kids need to do better to make them good humans. We’re guessing you also know that it is critical to tell your children what they are doing right to build their self-confidence and reinforce the behavior you want to see again. No one likes to be told all the time that they are doing it wrong.
Your Neighbor’s Small Act of Service
Neighborly acts of service such as bringing you a piece of mistaken mail, bringing in a package from the rain, or moving your trash bins are very simple gestures. Do you need to acknowledge them with a thank you note? Not necessarily. But doing so may help future goodwill and build relationships. A small note to say hello and thank you is a touch point to create a stronger relationship and will make your neighbor feel seen and appreciated for something so small. In a world that is so divisive and negative right now, small acts of kindness can mean so much.
Teachers are lucky enough to be celebrated regularly (though perhaps we could do more!) Principals and Heads of School rarely get much fanfare. They are tasked with the weight of finances, staffing and human resources, balancing education with athletics, clubs, and hearing the voices of many who often differ. Many also must make disciplinary decisions that can be difficult. Celebrate the overall guidance and leadership that a Head of School provides. Consider sending a quick thank you note – not at the end of the school year – but perhaps at a more “random” time. If there is a milestone or achievement that is worth celebrating, that can be an appropriate time, too. In a non-self-serving way, building a relationship with your leadership can be valuable when you have concerns that you need to address. It’s hard to listen to people that are always critical of your performance, so be sure to shed light on positive moments when you can. It will make addressing the more contentious matters easier.
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