Tag Archives: thank you notes

Tough Conversations

I needed to have what I perceived to be a tough conversation with a health care provider recently.  I wanted a specific course of treatment that I wasn’t sure she was going to be in favor of.  I did the research to support my request, but still worried and fretted over that upcoming conversation for the better part of the week.  When I actually had the conversation, there was no push-back from the health care provider at all.  She was fully in support of my request and was more than willing to prescribe what I’d requested.  All that worry was for nothing.

How can you ensure your tough conversations go that well?

1. Do the research: If you want the outcome of a tough conversation to go your way, do the research.

  • Want a raise? Be ready to explain why you deserve it. What have you done to contribute to the bottom line?  What are comparable employees in similar industries being paid?
  • Want a better deal with your cable company? Know the current price of comparable packages and be prepared to explain how long you’ve been a valued, pay-on-time customer.
  • Want a prescribed treatment plan? Detail the reputable resources you utilized to come to your decision about the treatment plan and why you believe it will work for you.  Starting the conversation with “this guy on one of my blog sites said I needed to do this” may not be your best lead.

2.  Know what you want:

  • If you want a raise, be specific. “Based on the information I’ve provided I deserve an extra $5 per hour” is much better than “I want a raise.”
  • If you want a better cable deal, saying “I see your bundled package for new customers is $125/month. How can I get that same deal?” is better than “I need you to reduce my monthly bill.”
  • If you want a different prescription, say “I would like to try Adderall because I understand the side effects are less severe than Concerta.”

3.  Be polite: No matter what you are requesting, it is better to be polite than confrontational.  Keep a calm tone of voice, call the person you are speaking to by name, don’t argue, say please and thank you.

4.  Talk to the decision-maker: If you aren’t happy with the response you received, ask to speak to a supervisor.  Understand that each person has a prescribed level of authority and if they can’t give you what you are asking for, possibly the next person up the line can.

5.  Write a Thank You note: If it makes sense, write a thank you note to the person or company that has been of assistance.  The power of a thank you note cannot be overstated.

Cindy Jobs, COC, ACC

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Can you say “thank you” too much?

I had an interesting exchange with my 4-year old grandson recently.

On our way home, we passed a park we’d frequented.  He said, “you’ve taken me to that park before.”  I said I had and asked he wanted to go there again.  He said he did and followed with “thank you, Grandma.”

Throughout the park visit, he thanked me multiple times for taking him to the park.  When we were back in the car, he thanked me again for taking him to the park.

This exchange intrigued me.

First, the fact that my 4-year old grandson thanked me without being prompted was in itself both very fascinating and encouraging.   Nicely done on the parenting front, kids!

Then I got to thinking:

  • Why did he feel the need to thank me so many times?
  • Did I find his second, third, and fourth “thank you” as impactful as the first?
  • How many “thank you” exchanges are too many?  Too little?
  • What is the appropriate way to say “thank you”?

As I thought about this exchange I realized, no matter how many times he said “thank you” it made me smile.  And it’s not just because a 4-year old says it.

Many of my clients going through either a physical or emotional transition say “thank you” so many times I lose count, but every time I feel that positive dopamine rush which makes me want to do even more for them.  Whether it’s the first or fifteenth time, the rush is the same.

What does an appropriate “thank you” look like?  Well, it depends. On the giver. On the recipient. On the situation. On the culture.  There is a whole mess of variables to take into account, but largely, I like a physical “thank you” notes for almost everything. Whether it’s appreciation for and effort, a gift, a job interview, etc. I find a physical note means so much more than a simple e-mail or phone call.

Many of you in the Puget Sound will remember Sunny Kobe Cook from the Sleep Country chain of mattress stores.  I recently heard her speak and said the #1 retention tool in her business was a personalized “thank you” note to customers. And, even more importantly, the one thing that kept her, as a loyal customer was also a personal thank you note.  Such a small effort for such a big return.  My guess is, there is almost as much of a dopamine rush from saying “thank you” as there is from receiving it.

I’m a big believer in letting people know I appreciate them and their efforts.  Saying “thank you” is a small courtesy, yet can provide so much positive energy to both the sender and the receiver.  Give it a try, see how it feels.

Cindy Jobs

www.organizetosimplify.com

 

 

National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, Seattle Chapter Vice President
ICD_LogoTag_Horz_72 website
Institute for Challenging Disorganization:
Level I Certificates earned in Chronic Disorganization; ADD; Client Administration; Time Management; Mental Health; and Hoarding.
Level II Specialist Certificates earned in Chronic Disorganization and ADHD.
Coach Approach for Organizers
Graduate of the Comprehensive Training Program: Coaching Essentials; Strengths-Based Coaching; Brain-Based Coaching; Life and ADHD Coaching; and Organizer Coach Integration
Graduate-level training: Body-Based Coaching; ADHD Coaching Competencies