Despite more modern media, we still receive formal letters today. Some arrive via snail mail. Some are attached to email messages. Formal letter writing preceded the existence of word processing and email messaging. While our prevalent use of email has reformatted these components. most still apply. How does this apply to gratitude? Thanks for asking. I believe you’ll find the answer in the close.
As some point in my primary education years, I learned about the components of a formal letter. Here’s a review.
This is the part of a letter that immediately precedes the writer’s signature, consisting of words such as Sincerely, Cordially, Very truly yours, Best regards, etc. We still use the complimentary close in our email messages. And most of us use the same closing phrases that have been used for decades. Why?
I believe it’s OK to declare your sincerity or to close cordially. But some of these closings have used those terms for over a century, When would it be the right time to explore more personalized alternatives? How about today?
Since I’m writing this as the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, why not discover new ways to be grateful.
Earlier this year, I learned about the benefits of using a gratitude oriented complimentary close. Here are a few options:
So I decided to try it. I edited my email signature. I replaced “All the best ” with “Gratefully”. Yet I wondered if that closing might not fit with the tone of all my business messages. After a six month trial, I have no regrets. I believe those traditional formal closings are empty rubber stamps by comparison. Before clicking SEND, my closing is a reminder to be grateful for whatever content precedes the gratefully. I yet don’t know how my recipients are affected. But if others want to judge my attitude of gratitude negatively, I refuse to make it my problem. It’s a small way to make the world a more grateful and positive place.
A simple enhancement of your automated email signature puts your positive expression of gratitude on cruise control. And, it can differentiate you from others who still other century old closing statements.
If you have a need to create a neatly formatted email signature for yourself, read this page: 5 Best Free Email Signature Generators of 2021 (+ Useful Tips). Most are free or freemium.
Being a judgmental leader is like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut – it’s destructive and totally unnecessary. Constant criticism and belittling from a leader create a pressure cooker environment that will eventually blow the lid off your team’s productivity and job satisfaction.
Not only that, but being overly judgmental can discourage your team from making decisions and taking initiative which can lead to a stagnant organization. Low morale, high turnover rates, and poor communication and teamwork are all signs of a toxic leadership style.
What Kind of Question is This?
We can agree that it’s provocative. When is failure ever the goal? So why should we ever want to encourage or reward it? What might happen if you actually did reward failure?
Tom Lemanski helps accomplished leaders unlock potential, solve complex challenges, and amplify their impact.
Effective leadership is the key to driving meaningful, lasting success in a fast-changing world.
Tom’s focus on innovative strategies and self-awareness creates transformative results for leaders striving for the next level.
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2 Responses
Hi Tom,
I also rode the train with my 3 year old Grandson a few weeks ago. He’s also a train enthusiast. We went from Barrington IL. to Des Plaines, then walked over to the Choo Choo Diner for lunch. When we first got off the train he wanted to get back on. It was a memorable day, such as yours.
Thanks for always sharing Life on the Train and your recent experience with your Grandson.
Have a wonderful holiday!
Thanks Tony! Your comment refers to the Life on The Train post.
Apparently great minds think alike. We also did a Metra ride to Choo Choo on his birthday. There’s also the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, IL and The Polar Express ride in Elgin. Fun for the whole family.