Last Monday, Blogging4Jobs shared a post on manners that discussed the power of a thank you. It’s something that I have written about in the past, too. My mom would make me sit and write thank you notes to family and friends, and now I am teaching my daughter the same. People appreciate being appreciated, no matter how young we are or old we get.

THANKFUL IS AS THANKFUL DOES

1. Email: The quickest, most efficient thank you is to send an email of thanks. The one minute it takes you to send the email could just leave a lasting impression.

2. Cards: Recently, I received a hand-delivered, hand-written thank you card from both my VP and AVP of HR. It meant a lot to me that they took the time to say thanks, while at the same time recognizing the work that did. A thank you can have a powerful impact on your team and co-workers!

3. Tweet a Coffee: I just love this tweet a coffee option from Starbucks! Still in beta testing, you can send an e-gift card to tweeps and thank them for being so twerrific. Couldn’t you just see this making someone’s day?

4. E-card: At work, we have a library of electronic cards that our HR teams can use to send internally and externally. It includes birthday cards, congratulatory messages and, of course, thank you notes. Consider working with your design team to create your own e-card assets.

5. Status Update: In today’s social networking world, it’s acceptable to give an online shout out to family and friends. This time of year, I’ve seen a lot of “thankful” updates on Facebook. Consider tagging some of your friends in a sentimental status of thanks.

6. Snail Mail: I am and always will be a fan of snail mail. When my family receives something other than bills or junk mail, it’s a nice moment for all of us. If you really want to say thanks … the good old fashioned USPS may just be the way to go.

GREAT QUOTES ABOUT THANKS & GRATITUDE

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. – John F. Kennedy

He is a wise man who does not grieve for the things which he has not, but rejoices for those which he has. – Epictetus

When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others. – Dalai Lama

Gratitude is the memory of the heart. – Massieu

A thankful heart is not only the greatest virtue, but the parent of all the other virtues. – Cicero

I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.  – William Shakespeare

It’s not having what you want. It’s wanting what you’ve got. – Sheryl Crow

ARE WE TOO BUSY TO BE THANKFUL?

Have you ever found yourself forgetting to pause and give thanks? How do you think we can start to become more thankful? Is being grateful overrated?