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Son of a "Southern Lady"
There are things I don’t admire about the South. Think … slavery. On the other hand I am -- make no mistake -- the son of a Virginian. Not Arlington, but the Northern Neck. And one of the (wonderful) things that indelibly rubbed off on me was Southern graciousness … courtesy. My Mom, Evelyn Snow Peters, age 95!
I’m now 62, but when I go to the local 7-11 in Yankee Boston and buy morning papers, I hear myself say to the 18-year-old who served me, “Thanks, Ma’am.”
Years ago I wrote a paper on “Getting Things Done” all about “Implementation.” And at the head of a list of no less than 50 ideas I put, “Don’t forget your 'Thank Yous.’” If I had to do it all over again I’d change a lot. But “Don’t forget your ‘Thank Yous” would still top the list!
It’s a tough old world out there. No doubt of that. But little has more impact than a simple “Thank You.” An acknowledgement from one harried human to another harried human that she/he made a difference in our lives. (To be all too frank, even if the event wasn’t that special!)
BEDROCK. The psychologist William James said, a century ago, “The deepest human need is the need to be appreciated.” Home Depot co-founder Ken Langone added, “The two greatest gifts: a kind word and a thoughtful gesture.”
My Mom. William James. Ken Langone. And, now, me! IDEA: NOTHING IS MORE POWERFUL THAN A “SIMPLE” “THANK YOU.”
I’ll do these things for AOL-Better Life Media for, perhaps, years. But I’ll never say anything more important than this. Namely: “THANK YOU” RULES!
The essense of enterprise/life is our interaction with others. (Duh!) And the essence of that interactionis a touch of grace. That is, in a surly world (in a world of global terrorism, for God?s sake), just take the time to acknowledge the presence of a fellow human. (i.e.: ?Thank you.? )
There is little in this world that I, a 62-year-old, will gaurantee you. But THIS is the exception. I will, in fact, guarantee you that if you?ll take a breath, chill out a tad, and say ?Thank you,? your entire life, professional and personal, will change for the better. Dramatically! Believe it, courtesy the Son of a Southern Lady.
Tom Peters/West TinmouthVT
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Thank you. Thanks for all your writing and speaking. Thanks for making a difference in the world, in my world.
Would it be rude to also ask for a new post?
Marianne -
Thank you, Tom, for yet another insight into building our professional lives. That it all comes down to relationships and relationship building - and the one thing that is universal is the simple "Thank You" to transform another person and make them feel that what they have done matters. I agree with the other commentor that many times, executives either do not say "thank you" enough, or when they do say it, you can tell their words are hollow. I belive that saying "thank you" to your fellow neighbor helps to elevate their spirit and in turn, it elevates you in their eyes as being a person who is not afaid to acknowlege another's efforts and who puts kindness and humility first.
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Tom,
I was just introduced to you through AOL, and am truly encouraged. A note about "Thank You" - I always say Thank You. I heard though a few years ago, that successful people NEVER say Thank You. I don't believe that, but have always thought that there there could be some truth in that point - most successful busniness people that I've come across don't say Thank You. They are too busy being "business-like." I am delighted to hear your comments on etiquette...Thank You, for your words of wisdom!!
MLBA1 -
Thank You.
9/12/05 10:19 PM