Thank Them Their Way
July 14, 2010
I was talking to a local pastor today and the conversation turned to keeping in touch with people.
I told him that with volunteers, it’s important to thank them often in a way that is meaningful to them, even if it’s not your normal way.
Suppose you have a volunteer who is always sending note cards to other people. She’s a note card person. She will expect you to thank her periodically for her service with a card. Maybe you put another gift with or in it for a special event, but a random written thank you will do wonders for keeping her involved.
The worker at the next desk is a people person. He likes to talk one on one. Most likely, he’ll want to hear an affirmation direct from the mouth of someone important. A card won’t do it. It needs to be spoken, and it needs to be in person – even if in private. (If he’s humble about the job he’s doing, a public announcement may cause more embarrassment than popping by his desk for 15 seconds.)
The point is, different people respond differently, and if you sent a card to the guy, it does little to motivate him. And a public affirmation to the lady is meaningless unless it includes a written momento.
Thank them the way they want to be thanked.
