The Unexpected Benefits of Saying Thank You

©iStockphoto.com/Mustafa Ilker HELVACIOGLU

I had a surprise waiting for me in my inbox this morning - I received a thank you email from an acquaintance.

Here’s the story:

I’m part of a group of volunteers that comes together twice a year to do a job that we’ve done for some time. We know the drill and enjoy doing it. This year was a bit different: there was a new middle person who was coordinating our contribution. She wasn’t one of the leaders of the event, she was just responsible for our small group. When the event was finished, we wrapped up our respective assignments and went home, knowing we’d be back for a similar occasion in another few months.

As you can probably tell, it was the usual thing, nothing remarkable.

Several days had gone by and I’ve thought nothing more of it.

Then this morning, there was her email. It was only three lines long, yet it was well-written, sincere and professional.

It read:

“It took many volunteer hours to ensure the success of last Thursday’s event.

“Winston Churchill said it all when he said, “We make a living by what we
do, but we make a life by what we give.”

“I would like to thank all of you for “giving.”

Yours truly,
Anna”

Short, simple and gracious. I didn’t expect a thank you from Anna and, in fact, I wouldn’t have noticed that there was no acknowledgement from her. It wasn’t her “responsibility” and she simply didn’t “have” to do it. She did it anyway and this made it even more meaningful than if it was an obligatory ‘thank you.’ Her unexpected ‘thank you’ made her stand out.

It’s interesting how those three lines in an email changed my perception her. She’s no longer the blonde-lady-in-the-blue-suit. Now I see Anna differently:

• She’s not “just someone” I’ve seen at events – she’s Anna.
• I have a favourable opinion of her: I like her.
• I’ll make a point of reintroducing myself to her at the next event and get to know her better.
• If she’s looking for volunteers for another event, I’ll help out if I can.

Taking the initiative to show gratitude and acknowledge others even when it’s not expected, you

• stand out from the crowd and distinguish yourself from others
• appear friendly and approachable
• make a good impression
• are remembered

I don’t know if Anna was aiming to receive some direct benefit from saying ‘thank you.’ I would doubt it. Either way, she’s definitely in my “good book” for taking the time and effort to show appreciation when she didn’t have to.

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