Genuine appreciation goes a long way. It shows you are paying attention. It shows you care. It makes people feel valued. People don’t forget kindness. I can show you how to thank someone appropriately in eight words or fewer. When you thank your employees, be prompt. Recognise the kind of effort you want to see again soon and be spontaneous. Don’t wait for a review or company-wide event to thank your employees. Of course, be specific, too. So how can you most effectively thank and recognise your employees, based on their individual personalities and traits? 1. People who are at the gregarious end of the “expressiveness” spectrum use their gift of gab as a work asset. You might write to them: ‘I celebrate how you share your enthusiasm,’ or ‘Thanks for keeping the lines of communication open.’ 2. People who are on the quieter end of the “expressiveness” spectrum appreciate one-on-one contact with you. You could say: ‘Jon, I prize your well-considered solutions,’ or ‘I appreciate your respectful attitude toward everyone.’ 3. Those employees who are forceful in terms of “assertiveness” especially appreciate the prompt response from you. You could let them know: ‘Thank you for keeping the momentum going!’ or ‘I appreciate your decisive action.’ 4. But those who are more easygoing when it comes to “assertiveness” want everyone to get along. You might say: ‘Thank you for helping to keep the peace,’ or, ‘I appreciate your amiability more than you know.’ 5. When it comes to “flexibility,” staffers who are change-seekers don’t get flustered easily. You might write: ‘I recognise your easy resilience’ or ‘Thanks for how you handled that situation.’ 6. On the other end of the “flexibility” spectrum is people who are focused and have strong opinions. You might jot down: ‘I depend on your support,’ or ‘I honor you for your convictions.’ 7. Analytical thinkers value intelligence and individual, rather than team, recognition. To them, you might note: ‘I appreciate your penetrating questions,’ or ‘I respect the depth of your knowledge.’ 8. Structural-minded folks want to hear details. You could let them know: ‘Thank you for transferring all that data perfectly,’ or ‘You always meet your deadlines–impressive!’ 9. Since social thinkers want to please you, you ought to write them: ‘I am so grateful for your teambuilding skills,’ or, ‘I couldn’t have done it without you.’ 10. Those on your team who are conceptual by nature want to feel unique. You could let them know: ‘Your solution to the XYZ problem was great,’ or ‘I treasure your creative long-term views.’ The power of sincere thanks cannot be overestimated. And when you become a master of employee recognition, you can start thanking your clients, too! Now I’m just off to praise my employees…….. Andy