It was 2018, and my New Year’s goal was to write thank-you notes to every one of our 2000 employees. It is my belief they each employee has two choices. A choice to continue working for the organization or to move to a different organization. While it may be true that some people need to find their happy place someplace else, the majority of people we want to continually re-recruit. It is with people that our goals are met or not. As leaders, you have a responsibility to your employees and should be able to answer the following.
- What can our employees expect of you
- Do you know their goals and can help them reach their goals
- What is the highest potential they can achieve by working for you
- Can they trust you with their future
- Will, you be honest with them
- Do you trust them to do their job
As a leader, you are responsible for making the future promising and making promises for the future. You are also responsible for letting your people know how much you appreciate them and thanking them for choosing your organization.
I did reach my goal of writing each person a handwritten individualized thank-you note. About 25% of the employees emailed me that they received the message at home and saying wonderful words in return. One went so far to say she framed it as she had never received a thank-you note before.