Thank You Notes
Brief written expressions of gratitude for specific actions, gifts, or kindnesses.
Also known as: Thank-you cards, Appreciation notes, Written thanks
Category: Techniques
Tags: gratitude, communications, relationships, etiquette, expression
Explanation
Thank you notes are brief written expressions of gratitude for specific actions, gifts, or kindnesses received. While seemingly old-fashioned, research shows thank you notes significantly impact both writer and recipient. Effective thank you notes include: specific acknowledgment (what you're thanking for), personal impact (how it affected you), and genuine emotion (authentic appreciation). Notes can be: handwritten (most personal), email (faster, still meaningful), or digital (cards, messages). The practice benefits: recipients (feeling valued and seen), relationships (strengthening connection), and writers (practicing gratitude, building relationship capital). Research shows people underestimate how much recipients appreciate thank you notes, leading to under-expression. Notes are appropriate for: gifts received, help provided, hospitality experienced, and mentorship given. For knowledge workers, thank you notes can: strengthen professional relationships, acknowledge colleague contributions, express appreciation to mentors, and build reputation as someone who values others' contributions.
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