Question-Week ending Sunday 05/30/04:
What method do you use most, to express your gratitude to those that deserve it? Please read our Pre-Poll Commentary before taking this poll.
Pre-Poll Commentary:
Our eighteenth keyword in our poll series on moods and emotions is GRATITUDE. For the purpose of this poll we will describe the meaning of GRATITUDE as "expressing a feeling of thankfulness and appreciation to another individual or entity."
No one will argue that it's a good business practice to go the extra mile for clients. It promotes good will and value for your company and yourself. However, so many people go out of their way for others, because they are just kind individuals. The fact that it's good for their company or careers is an added benefit. There are lots of really nice people who enjoy helping others.
When you come across such an individual, it's a fantastic gesture to reciprocate by expressing your gratitude to them for their kind deeds and actions. Whether it's business related or otherwise - you are communicating to that caring person that you truly appreciate their efforts and RESPECT them as individuals. Showing gratitude is a powerful emotion that always benefits all parties.
Too often, we expect a great deal from others and take their kind actions for granted. Our lives can be greatly enriched by taking a moment to mail a personal "thank you" note, letter, or greeting card to express our gratitude to those that deserve it. Or perhaps send an e-mail expressing your gratitude?
Whatever method you choose - be prepared for the disappointment of not receiving any acknowledgement from the person to whom you expressed your gratitude. I'm not sure why this happens, but it certainly does happen too often! Don't let these disappointments deter you. You know what's right and what makes you feel good. Always follow your heart and express your gratitude often! You'll add more joy to your life by doing so.
Let us know in this week's poll, what method do you use most, to express your gratitude to those that deserve it? This poll will end on Sunday 05/30/04, when the results will be displayed.
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Results:
- 40% of voters chose they send an "E-Mail Message" as the method they use most, to express their gratitude to those that deserve it.
- 21% of voters chose they mail a "Handwritten Note" as the method they use most, to express their gratitude to those that deserve it.
- 19% of voters chose they make a "Personal Phone Call" as the method they use most, to express their gratitude to those that deserve it.
- 13% of voters chose they mail a "Printed Greeting Card" as the method they use most, to express their gratitude to those that deserve it.
- 05% of voters chose they send a "Thoughtful Gift" as the method they use most, to express their gratitude to those that deserve it.
- 02% of voters chose they mail a "Letter of Appreciation" as the method they use most, to express their gratitude to those that deserve it.
Post-Poll Commentary:
This week's poll results raise the question "What happened to writing a letter of appreciation?" Only 2% of our respondents chose letter writing as their method most used to express gratitude. While 40% chose using e-mail as their method most used! What would we do without e-mail? With all its spam shortcomings, e-mail is definitely a great way to communicate with others. It's easy, inexpensive and instant.
I believe timing is very important when expressing gratitude. It should be expressed sooner rather than later to be most effective. If you wait, you will likely forget. Or if you are expressing gratitude to an unfamiliar person, they will probably forget who you are if lots of time has lapsed. So don't procrastinate. Express gratitude instantly and often to those who deserve it. You'll feel as good as the recipient does, to know that kind deeds do not go unnoticed!