When Was The Last Time You’ve Done This One Thing At Work?

“Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues, but the parent of all others.” 

– Cisero

I’ve worked in the education industry for more than a decade and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about education it is this: it is hard to be a teacher. Teachers are not only responsible for having all of their students of different levels and backgrounds learn grade-level content but are also responsible for teaching the students life’s basics. In other words, teachers have a huge responsibility to turn little kids into adults that will one day be our future.

Yes, it’s hard to be a teacher for all these things I just mentioned, but to top things off, teachers hardly get a “thank you.” Year after year they work their butt off and it’s random or rare if a student tells the teacher, “thank you for teaching me,” or if a parent tells the teacher “thank you for helping my son.”

Saying Thank You

As we approach a day away from Thanksgiving, it is time to reflect. Although many of us might not be school teachers, we interact with our co-workers, executives, clients or vendors on a frequent basis. When was the last time you’ve said thank you to your boss for believing in you, or thank you to your ace for all her hard work?

At times, we like to get creative and send an e-card or even write a thank you card for someone. However, the simple words of “thank you” coming out of your mouth are much more powerful. It shows care, gratitude and it comes from the soul. How long has it been since you have actually said thank you?

The Thank You Challenge

I challenge you today to take some time to thank people in your office or in your branch. Ask them if they have a minute and give them a sincere thank you for their accomplishments. Think of at least three accomplishments you can thank them for. If you want to continue challenging yourself, don’t forget the other people that matter – those at home, your family.

Don't forget to share this blog so you can encourage others: family, co-workers, friends. Give them something to get motivated! You never know what they might be going through. A few words of encouragement can go a long way.