Accepting Thanks With Good Grace
And often, when we are given a compliment, or someone says 'Thank you', we feel it is polite to gently decline. We say things like 'It's nothing' or 'No, no – it was all you'.
As part of a business transaction I've been involved in, which has not gone that well and one which I have been chasing hard to make anything out of for a bunch of other people as well as myself, we had a minor success.
To one of the partners, it represented something far bigger than it did to some of the others, despite being less than anticipated.
Financially, it was very important to him. So he sent me a gift for the effort I'd made. It was a small gift and one which he could ill-afford.
Now he told me he was sending this small gift and it would have been easy to say 'You shouldn't have'. Instead, I said 'Thank You'.
I appreciated, following the reminder that a boss gave me a few years ago, that the choice of making the gift was theirs and thus important to them.
In fact it was a big financial decision, given the state of their finances. Dismissing it with the 'You shouldn't', would undo a lot of their decision making and choice to make a gift.
So, I said 'Thank you, I appreciate that you have made this gesture, and I'm very grateful'.
My business experience of this was when I was once given praise for a piece of work where I dismissed the praise with, 'It's just my job'.
Quickly and supportively, my boss said this to me, 'It's always best to accept thanks and praise with good grace, that is how it's given'. And so I always have since then.
Why is this important? Well, when individuals offer thanks or praise, it is their gift to give, not yours to decline or dismiss.
Gifts like this are hard to give, especially when courage and strength is needed to even speak up, as in some organizations. Respecting this, is where you come in.
Accepting the gift with honesty and appreciation is a wonderful gift back, though mainly unspoken and intangible.
It's like saying, 'Well, well, how wonderful that someone appreciates what I do sometimes, you are so kind for giving me the feedback that what I do is valued'.
This builds relationships hugely, builds teams and overall means that all pulling together, appreciating each other and valuing the closeness, are important even though sometimes unspoken.
It's worth reflecting on the form of words you can use to someone who shows you appreciation for something you did and thank them for taking the time to thank you, without deflecting that in any way.
You, they and your organisational morale will find great value in this.
Related Tags: leadership, teambuilding, management, gratitude, team, gift, thank, team-building
(c) 2006-7 Martin Haworth is a Business and Management Coach. He has hundreds of hints, tips and ideas at his website, www.coaching-businesses-to-success.com Your Article Search Directory : Find in Articles
Recent articles in this category:
- The No. 1 Rule For Projecting Confidence - Speak With Authority
One of the most important characteristics a person can project in a business setting - or any situat - After the Autumn Checkout European Debt Crisis and U.S. Brewing Rebound
In the commotion caused by the Fed on interest rates come to an end, the "disastrous" for the euro a - Advantages Of Arcade Game Rentals
There are many different advantages to arcade game rentals. Most people need something to release th - A General Primer on Truck Cargo Nets
In modern highways it is quite rare to see truck cargo nets in action, this is because they are usua - The United States Will Burst More Severe Financial Crisis
Not long ago, suddenly announced that the central bank to raise interest rates, the interest rate hi - Niche Marketing Profits - 3 Easy Steps to Finding a Profitable Niche Market Income in 10 Minutes
Like most beginners I was having a very difficult time trying to find a niche market to earn extra m - The Importance of Hospitality Management Consulting Firms Toronto
Businesses and the managers that help guide any business are in a constant state of improvement and - New Keynesian Theory Label
2010 winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics three theories have been labeled as "New Keynesian" labe - Federal Reserve Pouring Money QE2 Unpredictable Fortune
U.S. economist Milton Friedman proposed a "throw the cash from a helicopter" view, while the practic - Fiscal Consolidation Should no Longer Delay
British Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne today announced fiscal consolidation policy, shoc
Most viewed articles in this category:
- Common Financial Problems to Avoid
One must first change their habits and not procrastinate. American Consultants Inc at offers key fi - How a Bad Hire Can Hurt Your Business
What's worse - hiring the wrong person or not hiring anyone at all? Companies can become almost des - Joel Comm Is Dr. Adsense
What is Adsense? If you are new to making money online and net marketing, you may not know what Ads - 5 Steps For A Dynamic Wealth System Online
Recipe: Opportunity + knowledge + Dynamic Wealth System + Your Action = Massive Success!!! Step 1 - How To Stop Foreclosure
Losing your house to a foreclosure can be very scary. There are times when circumstances are ou - How to Always Pitch A Strike
As business owners, we are always working on new ways to convince people to become customers, client - Membrane Diffuser Solutions for Wastewater Treatment Systems
In the aeration basin of a typical wastewater treatment plant there are both organic and inorganic m - Another Year Hating Your Job or Loving Life?
Copyright © 2007 Mary Foley I've come to the conclusion that to be successful - really successf - Dyestuff Industry In India And China
World demand for dyes and organic pigments to touch $10.6 billion in 2008According to a study on dye - Cma-cgm Case : the Series of Lawsuits Continues in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England and the United States
Damietta company case : The series of lawsuits continues in Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, France, England a