The Art of Thank You; Crafting Notes of Gratitude

This is not just a book about the proper way of saying thank you on those occassions when we are suppose to: for wedding gifts, birthday gifts, graduation gifts, and being invited to those special occassions such as holiday party, promotion party or retirment. Connie Leas has reminded us that saying thank you is more than just proper etiquette, she in this short, easy to read work has reminded us about the good that comes from expressing ones thanks for whatever and whenever. In our world of high tech, email, Blackberry world, Leas brings us back down to earth when she reminds us of the career value in saying thanks. During that portion of her work, I could not help recall that during my military and now civilian career the times I received what can best be described as a letter of appreciation for a job well done. What a positive effect it had on me and several times those who cared to write about how I had given to them what they perceived was my best helped me through a rough time. At first I thought a written thank you or letter of appreciation in the business world was so old fashion and that the receipient really didn't care, well I was wrong. I can remember being in an organization that had field offices across much of upstate New York that I was required to visit. It amazed me to see little folded notes with the organization logo tacked up in the cubicles of the staff. When I commented on them I was further amazed as to how proud the receipients were of a few quickly written words thanking them for a contribution no matter how small. As I moved up in my career I started writing little short notes to those I supervised on special occassions. The results were fantasic in raising morale and improving performance. Another result was a building of team loyalty which previously did not exist. In most business organizations those of us in leadership positions do not walk around with a fistful of dollars to pass on to our staff to thank them for their. Leas rightfully reminds us that we do have the gift of a few words expressed with sincerity that can motivate others to new levels of performance; to remind them that doing the right thing pays off. If you are starting out in your leadership career in whatever business, you owe it to yourself to pick up this book and apply the lessons contained within. The dividends it will pay in your work life I think will spill over to your personal life as well. Leas in the end reminds us that we all benefit from an expression of gratitude either as the giver or as the receiver.

Because gratitude is one of our company's most important ethos, there should be no surprise that "The Art of Thank You" by Connie Leas is a book that I find quite instructive. So I wanted to share a review and highlights that might lead you to want to enjoy it, too. Sometimes the simplest topics make for the most impressive work. The idea of writing this guide on how to say thank you is just such a topic. Few other two-word phrases hold as much power as thank you. And yet it is something we often forget to do or shy away from. Leas' book begins with a simple explication on why we should write thank-you notes. She moves on to explain when thank you notes are appropriate - when they are socially required, when they are socially suggested, and when they are completely gratuitous. Next, Leas tackles the form of the note itself. Whether it should be on stationery, in a card, hand written, typed, etc. matter - but not that much, Leas says. However, things she suggests to avoid are email and ecards - she feels they may be considered overly simply or cheap and not very thoughtful. She feels so strongly about it that she says, "It is almost better to not send a thank you at all than to resort to these measures." The next several chapters are how-to's. Leas goes through conventions for writing social and business thank you's, talks about how to tackle those huge thank-you lists you are likely to face in your life, and how to get kids to get on the thank-you writing bandwagon. Leas ends the book with a chapter about how writing thank-you notes can enlarge the soul. A lot of people help us out every day. Sometimes it is big help, sometimes it is small. Remembering to say "thank you" makes a difference -- for ourselves and for those we thank. Saying it makes us remember to help others out. And it makes the day of the person we thank. One tip that is an easy way to remind yourself - setup a gratitude day by putting a repeating note in your calendar. Once a week, once a month, or whatever you need. It gives you that extra encouragement to say those two little words that mean so much. Thank you for allowing me to share this with you.

This book is here to drive home the point that mom tried so hard to teach you when you were growing up....show your gratitude, say thank you, do it promptly, and put it in writing. If your parents missed this lesson, then this book is even more important for you to read. If this sounds like basic advice (sending thank you notes), then why in our busy, self-centered society do so few people do it? Practicing the art of gratitude will lead to more opportunities in the future. This short and simple book shows examples of how to craft a thank you note so that it is not intimidating to the writer. Keep it simple, but get the job done. From properly thanking someone for something small to tackling the big jobs of writing wedding thank you notes to hundreds of people, this book will be a great resource.

Connie Leas has created in this book information that some may assume that everyone knows, but this is not true. This book gives vital information information regarding the What, Why, How and When of writing thank you notes. I think for anyone who likes to write, likes being creative, treasures meeting people and developing relationship, you will enjoy this book.

If you are buying this book for someone else, be sure to get a copy for you own pleasure. It's a terrific little book. There are very personal thank you letters from the famous, giving us a glimpse inside their hearts: Groucho Marx responding to a sympathy letter after Harpo's death, and George Bush, Sr. thanking Goldie Hawn for not making him dance. This book shows how to reveal a little more of who you really are in evidence of your gratitude. In addition to dozens of historically interesting letters, there are useful examples inspired for current cultural trends. AND she includes email thank you etiquette--much needed and appreciated by me.