Expressing Gratitude
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing
it is like wrapping a present and not giving
it. "
--William Arthur Ward
Recently I was asked to complete an online
survey to provide feedback to my bank on a
new service they are providing for small
business. The survey took about ten minutes
of my time, which I was warned about before I
started it. I was happy to take the time
because I think my bank (and all banks)
should pay more attention to the needs of
small business. The survey had a number of
questions that will help my bank market this
service to businesses like mine. I was able
to voice my opinion, but I was aware
throughout the survey that I was helping the
bank with its marketing research.
When I finished the survey, a screen popped
up that said, "Your answers have been
recorded." There was something missing. It
was the sentence "Thank you."
"Thank You" has disappeared
I am noticing that in more and more
situations, that simple sentence has
disappeared. I hold open a door for someone
and he or she simply walks through without so
much as an acknowledgment. I let a fellow
driver enter from a side street into a line
of traffic and there is no wave or nod of
appreciation. I purchase items from a store
and the cashier doesn't say anything to
complete the sale.
As a result of this change in behavior, I've
had to make a decision. I can choose to
become like everyone else I run into - too
busy to acknowledge other people's
consideration. Or I can hold my ground and
continue to show my appreciation and work
hard on not becoming a cranky old woman.
(For some reason, facing a birthday always
makes me aware of this possibility. )
What you put out in the world...
I have written before about being present
when you are interacting with others. I am
even more convinced that showing gratitude
toward the people you meet, especially your
customers, is one of the easiest and most
inexpensive strategies for creating the kind
of world you want. Call me a Pollyanna (you
won't be the first), but I do believe that
what you put out in the world, you get back.
If I make sure that I thank the people who
do business with me, and the people who send
me business, and the people I meet every day
who help make my life better, my life will be
happier and my business will succeed.
So I'm going to hold this line and not let
the people who either don't feel gratitude or
who do not express it affect me negatively.
I also may be searching for another bank. If
you know of one that cares about small
business and regularly expresses its
gratitude, please let me know.
