eileen mcdargh

By: Eileen McDargh

Learn about the lost art of thank-you notes and how you can use them in your business.

I've watched hula hoops, "Father Knows Best," and Dick Tracy watches vanish into the pages of history with nary a whimper. I've stood by and shed not a tear for the demise of beehive hairdos, outsized cars, and sexual stereotypes. But now I must protest. What has happened to all the most gracious of gratitude's -- the thank-you note?

I must admit, I grew up thinking it was mandatory to jot a short note for any party, or gift, or particularly thoughtful gesture. I was forced to write the thank-you note.

And then I really grew up. I think it was when Mother found some old letters in Nana's dresser drawer. Yes, included in that musty bundle were a few thank-you notes in a childish scrawl. Could it be that such a scruffy, short expression of gratitude carried such meaning? Could it be that putting pen to paper meant more than a brief response over telephone lines? I decided the answer was "yes."

But with the passage of time, it appears that those of us who scribble acknowledgements on anything from memo paper to gilt-edged informals are moving into the same category as the passenger pigeon and dodo bird. Surely it must be true.

Why else would friends and colleagues make such a fuss and exclaim with astonishment, "You wrote a thank-you note!" Why would I be so pleased and amazed when one out of 20 guests takes the time to slip a message in the mailbox? Granted, I also learned long ago that true giving expects no thank-you in return. But maybe it's a rule that we should learn to bend. Aren't we more willing to go that extra mile the second time around for someone who appreciates the effort? In this hurly-burly, pressure-cooker world of ours, perhaps we need the touch of parchment, the permanence of ink, and the one-of-a-kind words that let us know we have counted at all. The thoughtful thank-you note would move from pending extinction to a value-added gesture that could reap untold benefits.

Eileen McDargh, CSP, CPAE, is an international speaker, author and seminar leader. Her book Work for A Living and Still Be Free to Live is also the title of one of her most popular and upbeat programs on Work/Life Balance. For more information on Eileen and her presentations, please call 949-496-8640 or visit her web site at http://www.eileenmcdargh.com.

2000 by Eileen McDargh. All rights reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.

About the Author

Eileen McDargh is founder of McDargh Communications, a consulting and training company specializing in inner and interpersonal skill development for the purpose of improving the life of a business and the business of life. Visit Eileen at http://www.EileenMcDargh.com or http://www.theresilientspirit.com.