Unfortunately, the etiquette or what our mother used to refer to as “good manners” and what I call treating people with respect is deteriorating. No one writes a thank you note anymore.

People don’t express appreciation. If you want a behavior to repeat itself, acknowledge it. Show gratitude.

Although gratitude is a noun, we need to make it a verb and put it into action. I believe there are several motivations for the lack of gratitude

• People take things for granted.
  
  
• People who do not feel good about themselves cannot recognize or demonstrate appreciation of others’ good deeds, hard work, etc.
  
  
• Passive-aggressive. People don’t want to show appreciation because they harbor some kind of hostility or resentment.

Albert Schweitzer, the Nobel Peace Prize recipient, once said, “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.”

Not only is this a business mandate but, of course, carries into our life outside of work.

Make it a daily habit to express gratitude for the people who help you out, prepare a nice meal, pick up your slack when you are busy or cover for you.

Farm Credit Council Services
The Art of Conscious Communication

• Audrey is very intelligent and has great useful information. Excellent stuff that will be very useful
• I will use the tools learned to be a better listener. Removing distractions, maintaining eye contact and not formulating my response before the other person is finished talking. Remembering just how different male/female communication is