It is that time of year when appreciation, acknowledgment and gratitude comes forth in holiday cards, performance recognition, bonuses and the exchanging of gifts. Whether it be family, friends or colleagues, there are people from all groups in our lives who have positively impacted us in some way. This is a perfect time to acknowledge these people and share with them how their actions have touched, moved or inspired us into action.

Expressing our appreciation of a thing done for us or given to us is a kind gift back to the giver. We all know this and most times we all do this. Why then is it easier to acknowledge friends and family, but not so much the people in our professional networks? They might think we are weird, simple, wimpy, want something from them, or expecting something in return. Especially if we are appreciating our boss, manager, or someone who in traditional relationships is the one who is expected to give feedback, not receive it.

But when it comes down to it, even our CEO is human and there isn’t a person on the planet who doesn’t secretly desire acknowledgment. The holidays are the most natural time to give gifts and thanks to those in our lives, so what better time than now to give the gift of the gratitude attitude!

At its most simple level, recognition of another person's existence, validity, authority or presence is in itself a gift for them and yet provides you with something extraordinary – an attitude of gratitude that creates a ripple affect across all relationships.

In completely unauthorized studies that are neither scientific or funded, more observation than anything, when you thank someone they in turn thank someone else, who then thank another and on and on and on. So how can we create a tsunami of gratitude attitudes? By opening our mouths or grabbing our pens and paper and following these two simple steps:

1. Think of the people with whom you work, live and/or hang out with and distinguish what they have done for you, said to you, or provided for you that which has made an impact or difference in your life. Write down their name, what they did and the result it produced.

2. Pick up the phone and tell them or schedule a date to tell them in person or write them a note. However you communicate with them, make sure what you are saying acknowledges your appreciation for what they did and how it impacted you.
This is where it gets confronting, yes? How do you tell someone you appreciate them without sounding gushy, mushy or overly sentimental? (All of these are OK to feel by the way!) But you’re wondering how to convey your appreciation authentically and to the point.

Be gracious, not smothering. Use candor, respect and grace. Be specific and authentic. And most importantly, don’t put it off – it’s a gift that makes a huge impact and really, you’d be a scrouge to keep it to yourself. (Although it has not been scientifically proven (just observed), keeping appreciation to yourself can give you an upset stomach, cause grumpiness and the occasional turret shout-out of “Bah Humbug”!)

Here are some examples for friends, family, neighbors, bosses and co-workers that are wonderful ways to acknowledge and appreciate how they have impacted you this past year. Remember what Maya Angelou said as you share your appreciation, “People will not remember what you said or what you did, but people will always remember how you made them feel.”

To a friend who helped you finish a home-improvement project:

“Hey Joe, earlier this year you took time out of your busy weekend and helped me dry-wall the garage. Thanks buddy, I think of you when I’m in the garage and the good time we had with that project. Let me know if there’s anything I can help you with and I’ll be there with the same enthusiasm you had!”

To a family member who baked the second cake after the bakery didn’t deliver the one you ordered:

“Sherry, your time and efforts have earned you the “extraordinary friend” badge! You didn’t have to do what you did, but because you did, Stuart had a great birthday party and everything else went without a hitch! Thank you so very much!”

For a neighbor who shoveled your walk on the day you returned from a harrowing business trip:

“Connor, thank you for shoveling the walk way. You have no idea how wonderful it was to come home from the tropics (in a short sleeve shirt and flip-flops!) and not have to worry about how we would get to the front door. That was a fantastic gift from a great neighbor!"

For your co-worker who was always available to help at a moment’s notice:

“Jessie, I want to let you know that even thought I don’t say it often nor do I usually recognize it in the moment, your help on projects and the daily tasks of running this department make a huge difference to me and our staff. Without you this place would be crazy – thank you for bringing the sanity!”

For your boss, manager, or anyone in your life whom you feel is normally the one to provide feedback:

“Dear Ms. Kennedy, thank you for the holiday bonus. Beyond that however, I want to thank you for your patience and mentor-ship of me in my role here at our company. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.”

Using specific examples and light-hearted yet tasteful humor it’s easy to acknowledge the people in our lives. And how you make them feel will most certainly inspire them to provide the same gift of the gratitude attitude to someone in their life! Proof positive!

Happy Holidays and thank you for reading this article. Thank you to those who tweet this article as well – it’s a goofy thrill to know your words inspired someone to tweet! Cheers~

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Author:

Kris Parfitt is the head coach for Career Leadership Coaching, a coaching firm focusing on blowing up your roadblocks to success and guiding you in creating a fulfilling future to live into. Check out CareerLeadershipCoaching.com for more details or contact Kris Parfitt for a free 20-minute consultation session. Career Leadership Coaching is currently offering a holiday special of 25% off all coaching packages.”