Thank you and Your Brand

• Accepting a thank you or a compliment
• Why is it so important to your career?
• How does it correspond with your brand?
• Why do so many people not handle it well?

So this concept has been on my mind for some time now. Why does it seem like fewer people are extending thank you’s and even fewer than that know how to respond when receiving one? I used to think that after doing some great work for someone and not getting a thank you – that the person on the receiving end must be rude – insensitive or plain just a jerk! Well, of course that is the reason – some of the time. And yet I started to notice a pattern: that those same people often did not handle well me GIVING them a thank you. So what gives?

If we look at anxiety, confidence and the concept of humility – all wrapped up It can spell “awkward misinterpretations.”

For many who shy way from attention – both offering and getting compliments and signs of gratitude can feel very uncomfortable.  It can seem like a situation of exaggerated confidence or lack of humility – or just simply being too much in the spotlight. Yet – not honoring these forms of attention can do a disservice to any relationship.

Even in a work environment or networking situation you are ALWAYS SHOWING UP.  Who you are and what you stand for is at the forefront of how people respond to you.  So how do you prefer to show up?  If you do something well and I notice it – I am thanking you – or complimenting you for value I see. By downplaying that – you are not only negating your own talents, but negating my opinion. This mirroring situation is two-sided and dynamic.

In other words – I mirror you and our experience with my reflection of your talents or gifts. I do that by saying, “Thanks – great job – or “really liked how you formatted that.”

When you say, “It was nothing – or “not really so great” or what I notice a lot now – you do not respond at all.  What in essence you mirror back is — that my reflection of you is inaccurate –therefore that I must be wrong. Wow – talk about setting up situation to fail. Now I feel badly about my insight and wonder why you can’t see what I see – or worse I become frustrated that you did not appreciate my gratitude.

Accepting compliments and appreciation is a huge part of relationship building. Just as offering gratitude is also crucial as you  invest energy into relationships = whether they be work or personal.

Sure – you will not always be noticed and you will not always seek or receive appreciation. But when you have the chance accept it kindly and professionally with a “Thank you – glad to help,” or Thank You – I am honored to serve. “ Or even just “Thank you”  You will be setting the stage for a more engaged relationship and understanding of your value – of your brand.

And to be sure – if someone helps you along the way – please feel obliged to say a quick – Thanks – that was helpful – or appreciate your time. Think about it – for many of us – time is very valuable and we do not give it freely.