In the spirit of Boss’ Day, we thought it would be prudent to list some ways to say “Thank You” without being cheesy or looking like you’re trying to suck up, which especially comes in handy when you’re thanking a boss or someone higher up in the food chain.
Vent in Private
Let’s face it. You may find some people annoying. When you work close to someone, you’re going to get bugged at times. Maybe it’s the way your boss clips his fingernails while at work or the foul breath of a co-worker who invades your personal space … both are annoying and would make great fodder for a Facebook post or a story among friends.
One word: refrain.
The best way to show your thanks to someone is to refrain from gossip, back-biting and hurtful comments even when you’re 100 percent sure it will never get back to them. If you practice kindness behind people’s backs, it will show up in your face-to-face demeanor with them and you will reap the benefits by having better friendships, working relationships and respect from your peers and boss.
Plus, you won’t ever have to deal with the awkwardness of having your boss come across a Facebook post about him!
Acknowledge Holidays and Special Occasions
One way of expressing gratitude and showing thoughtfulness is around the holidays. You won’t look like you’re sucking up if you purchase a holiday gift, do something for your boss on Boss’s Day or bring treats occasionally for other holidays.
One manager had never been recognized on Boss’s Day and never gave much thought to it – it was just another day to him. A new employee had always recognized this day in her previous job and surprised the boss by giving him a package of golf balls and a small treat on Boss’s Day. It was a small gesture, but that employee was never forgotten.
If a gift is given sincerely and with a little thought, it will make a BIG impression on those special occasions.
Saying Thank You
In a previous post, we discussed the importance of saying thank you. It’s just as important for employees to use these words as it is for the manager or boss.
Thanking people for the little things does matter.
Thanking for the time off to take care of a sick child, for the bonus, the couple hours off early last Friday, the healthcare benefits, for the way they conduct business, their integrity or leadership by example, the feedback and even thanking for the constructive feedback so you can do your job better are all ways to sincerely express your gratitude for your job and for what your boss does for you.
Just make sure that you are genuinely thankful for what you are thanking someone for, or you will come across as insincere and a suck-up. And, let’s face it, no one likes a suck-up.
Last but not least, Happy Thanksgiving!
Ninja Gig is an online job posting software that lets companies advertise a job online, accept job applications online and then track job applicants in a proprietary Applicant Tracking System (ATS). Fully HR compliant, our job posting software can help increase your online recruitment so that you can focus on what matters more – building your business. Sign up now and experience the benefits of Ninja Gig free for 14 days.