Renee’s Rule™: Show your appreciation.

February 6, 2019

If you know me well, you know that I frequently send emails to people I do not know (journalists, elected and appointed public officials, prominent people in the news, CEOs of publicly held companies, authors of books I loved) to share my feedback (sometimes complimentary; sometimes not). I have been amazed and gratified by the large % of these people who actually respond. Some of them are people whose names you would undoubtedly recognize. Several of their responses have made me realize that we simply do not spend enough time expressing our appreciation to people in general and, especially, to public personalities.

For example: I always watch the videos of a particular reporter from a major news publication because they are informative, practical and fun. Last week, after watching one of his best videos, I sent him an email saying, (Name), I love your columns and videos and have been following them for a long time.  (Comment about the content) Thank you. 

He quickly responded: Thank you so much! Can’t tell you how much I appreciate that.  (And a response to my comment about the specific content)

Another example: After reading a recent article that included a quote from a former appointed elected official (from the 80s) whom I GREATLY admired (At the time, I hoped he would run for president!), I sent him an email expressing my high regard for him.

In response, he actually called me. Unfortunately, I missed the call, but he left a voice mail message which I saved. He said, in part, I am calling to thank you for that very gracious email you sent me about my public service. When you are up there in those jobs, you hear all the worst, so it is nice occasionally to hear something good.

What do these responses tell us? Clearly, too often, public personalities either receive little feedback or receive only criticism. As a result, those people who are conscientious, talented and working hard truly appreciate knowing that someone actually notices and values their efforts or talent.

If you are not already doing so, when you think someone is doing a great job or has done something extraordinary, take time to share that by email, by phone, by letter or in person. You will be glad you did.

Renee’s Rule™: Show your appreciation.