When we were little, we were taught to say “please” and “thank you.” It’s common courtesy. As adults, it’s easy to say those words a hundred times throughout our day with little to no thought behind them. But, when someone takes the time to sit down and write out a sincere thank you, that really means something.

Throughout my career, I’ve been blessed with wonderful managers and mentors who truly left their mark on me. They were caring, had my best interests at heart, and were excellent role models. I learned more by watching and observing their leadership styles than I could have learned in any classroom setting or by completing online training courses.

A few of these managers and mentors truly influenced my career and went above and beyond to help me achieve personal and professional goals. For instance, when I became pregnant with my first daughter, I asked my manager if I could move from full-time status to part-time status in my corporate analyst position. (I was intentional about asking — the worst she could say was “no” and I’d be no worse off. But that’s a whole other blog post for another time.) She knew how much work/life balance would mean to me, she knew I was a high-performer who gave my “all” the hours I was at work to accomplish results, and she knew our company culture allowed for part-time status from time to time if a sufficient business case and recommendation could be presented. She wasted no time. She wrote that business case and recommendation, socialized the idea with key leaders, became my advocate and sponsor, and obtained approval! Thanks to this one leader, I was able to work just three days a week (Tues. – Thurs.) for six years! Then, by my own choosing, worked four days a week (Tues. – Fri.) for an additional two years. I loved it! It was absolutely ideal for our family.

Another manager, more recently, assisted me in getting a promotion. I had worked hard for several years, achieving strong results and outstanding performance reviews. My work spoke for itself, so I began talking to my leader about my desire to take on more and return to work full time in order to obtain this promotion. Upon hearing my professional desires, she went to work on my behalf. She wrote a compelling business case and recommendation, became my advocate and sponsor, and obtained the necessary approvals!

Things like this, you never forget.

Then there were the leaders — exceptional people to work for — who were there for me when my Dad passed away in 2013. Two came to the visitation and another attended the funeral. All three showed support, empathy and caring. Their actions told me I was more to them than just an employee or worker bee. Their compassion for my situation was so moving.

Again, things like this, you never forget.

So, when I took the time to write personal thank you notes and express my sincere, heartfelt gratitude for how they had touched and impacted my life, how they had helped my career and my family prosper, and how they had served as excellent role models who I would be proud to emulate, they were speechless. They teared up. They were truly moved. 

It only took me a few minutes to write out my thoughts expressing appreciation for the actions they took that meant so much to me. Actions I’ll never forget. Likewise, those intentional few minutes of my time have now left them with words of gratitude that mean so much to them. Words they’ll never forget. And we are all blessed.

Take some time today to bless someone who has done something truly meaningful in your life. It’s as easy as a simple “thank you.” 

Yours Intentionally, Amanda