A good boss or manager is a rare asset to have. This is especially true in a day and age where everyone seems to bear resentment and loathing towards those in authority.
So, if you're lucky enough to have a good manager or boss who inspires more than they infuriate, it is important to be thankful and use the many ways to show gratitude to express your appreciation for them.
Besides the obvious perks of building a better relationship with senior management, it also helps your boss stay motivated, inspired and consistent. Plus, simply on a personal level, showing gratitude and appreciation, has proven to be excellent for your
mental and emotional well-being.
While expressing gratitude in a professional setting might seem like an awkward endeavor, there are ways to make it work. Here are 4 simple ways you can show your appreciation.
1. Just Say "Thank You"
So, you're thankful? Say
thank you! Managers, leaders, and bosses are people too - they're going to appreciate words of appreciation as much as anyone else.
Make sure you thank them for any moral support, words of motivation or assistance with your work. It's also a good idea to cater your words to the person you're speaking to. A personalized "thank you" is more effective than a generic one.
2. Write a LinkedIn Recommendation
If you truly believe in your manager's leadership ability or your boss's skills, a
LinkedIn recommendation is a great way to go. This is a great way to keep things professional without seeming like you're trying too hard. Flesh it out, make it genuine, and only say things you actually believe.
3. Make the Most of Birthdays
Everyone's got a birthday, and it's a great opportunity to show some individually specific appreciation. Now, this will depend on the relationship with your boss. This idea may not be appropriate for everyone, but if it works for you, read on. Write a card to your boss, throw a surprise party with the help of your colleagues or invest in a
meaningful giftthat you know they'll like. It's true that most workplaces do some version of this for their employers, but if you want to play a more significant role, just add a personal touch of your own with a small, special thank you gift.
4. Write Your Boss a Note
That being said, you don't need a birthday to give someone a gift or send them a note. If you're someone who has a way with words consider writing them a heartfelt (but professional) note or email expressing the many ways they've helped you develop your own skills. Also, mention your thanks for the opportunities they've given you to move forward in your career.
The Best Ways to Show Gratitude Come from a Place of Authenticity
It's understandable to be nervous about how your gratitude is going to be perceived. You don't want to appear like you've got any ulterior motive, but simultaneously you want to express your thoughts. The key here is to be authentic.
There are a lot of ways to show gratitude to your boss, but so long as you are genuine and say what you mean, they're sure to appreciate it.
Michele Bailey is president and CEO of
Blazing Agency and
My Big Idea®. These two lines of business work congruently to support her clients’ success.
