How to Form a Thank You Habit

Thank you is such a beautiful phrase. When you say "thank you", it makes a world of difference. Recent research suggests that discourtesy in the workplace is rapidly becoming an increasing dilemma for businesses and organizations. Workplace incivility is growing, including an increase in bad manners, rudeness, coarseness, vulgarity, and a lack of respect. A research study at The University of North Carolina Business School determined that incivility in the workplace can impact company profits due to lost productivity and employee turnover. Their findings indicated that people who experience rude behavior on the job: quit their jobs, lose work time, and deliberately decrease their work effort. By far, the most disturbing result was that over 78% of those surveyed said that this kind of behavior has worsened in the past decade. So, why focus on workplace communication when it seems the odds are against you? This article provides answers to this question by outlining the steps you can take to form and maintain a "Thank You" habit.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Learn and practice good manners at work. Get back to basics and focus on how you can make your workplace a more pleasant environment for all—bosses, workers, and customers.

2. Show proper respect. Acknowledge in some way each person you meet with eye contact, a nod or smile while moving from office to office or when passing by a desk.

3. Demonstrate that you value courtesy and good manners by expressing your appreciation for something you receive, no matter how small.

4. Concentrate on creating pleasant and agreeable experiences for everyone who interacts with you. Be gracious and considerate.

5. Watch for uncivil behavior. Every day you are presented with situations that allow you to show common courtesy and consideration to others. Be proactive and take advantage of every opportunity to be cordial.

6. Be sincere and genuine. Your efforts must be honest and heartfelt. Being courteous comes not from your head but from your heart. If your actions do not match your words, then your efforts will be in vain.

7. Minimize any It’s-All-About-Me tendencies. Instead do unto others as you would have them do unto you by displaying empathy and finding opportunities to increase your connection.

8. Think about what you can do to improve civility in your work unit, team or department. Then, just do it. Remember how it feels when someone insults you or is rude to you.

9. Extend common courtesy to others. It really doesn’t take much to be cordial to others by saying "please" and "thank" you as you carry out business and job responsibilities.

Tips & Warnings

• Never underestimate the power of a Thank You! Take time to acknowledge and extend courtesy to someone today!
• For more advice on how to say, "Thank You", use the resources below.

Resources

• Answers to Your Questions about Job & Career
• Develop A Career-Boosting Thank You Habit
• Career Resources

[MrMaranatha]

on 3/5/2009 Increase the friendly atomosphere and the Productivity increases exponentially!!!

[MrMaranatha]

on 3/5/2009 That was a good read!! As former business owner I can vouch for the lapse in productivity that follows the discourteous remarks and insults... and the increase in productivity when those employees are terminated.Way to go Althea another Good article!MrM

[EnlightenedPen]

on 6/29/2008 this article is a good behavior check for everyone

[LNAngel]

on 6/16/2008 Being sincere and genuine is so important! Thanks.

[Desula]

on 6/14/2008 Great reminders for dealing with our co-workers and how important "thank you" is.