This is going to be super-transparent, so if you can’t handle that, please quit reading.
I have another confession (I make those here often): when I write emails, I often have to go back in and put the words “please” and “thank you” after I finish writing. Yep – that’s it.
Honestly, in my heart I really feel these words, but in the the chaos of life and my desire to be efficient, I leave them out. I hate this about me – for some reason the words begin to feel fake sometimes inserting them in after the fact, but I want them to be there. I struggle celebrating things, tend to be all-business and am often as perceived as lacking compassion because of that. It’s hard to trace where this comes from in my life, but I know that thankfulness and asking instead of telling are important.
Here’s what I think these words mean to people:
- Please – says will you partner with me. I’m not demanding this – we’re working together.
- Thanks – says I am grateful for your help.
Okay, therapy session over. I am getting better at these things. Anyone else out there have similar issues?
Thanks for the kick in the teeth. I usually always say thank you at the end, but often my emails are straight to the point, especially if I need something. I had read this, then shortly after was typing an email to some vendors asking for pricing and went back to ead it, realizing I should ‘soften’.. Thanks for the reality check…
I can remember way back when I met a new girl at Ray Viles Ford, she thought I was stuck up and arrogant. The reason is because I am very slow to open up to people. The other reason… I too try to be efficient. I had a customer tell me last year they felt like they were being a burden because I would answer the e-mailed questions in short sentences. They did not realize I was on a PDA phone. However I made adjustments to accommodate.
The other side of this coin is it is unfair for people to make assumptions about a person without really knowing them. This girl was thinking I was arrogant and cocky because of what I drove, and my physical appearance. It was actually shyness, I actually was just being careful because I liked her! By the way, the girls name was Misty Wade. You know her as Misty Biddle.