Saying ‘thank you’ has been called the neglected art. Indeed, there is a reluctance among some managers to express adequate appreciation for a job well done. A few simple, well-placed thanks, however, can do wonders to improve the performance of your staff. To maximise the benefits of this powerful word, here are a few useful suggestions… 1. Speak up. Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone; you should never mistake your warm feelings and beaming smiles for the art itself. If you express your gratitude to a colleague, though, don’t cheapen the value of the well-earned thanks by mumbling the words or by being embarrassed. Think about what you’re going to say and how you’re going to say it. Even a simple thanks sometimes requires preparation. 2. Say thank you – and mean it. Every time we express sincere appreciation, we give value to the other person. Our words say, ‘You are [...]