Thank you

When I was an executive in the corporate world I was frequently accused of saying “thank you” too much.  Especially as I rose up the ranks and led divisions of companies.  One CFO continued to tell me to stop saying thank you. People are just doing their jobs for what they are paid for.

I did and continue to find that odd.  How can you say thank you too much?

I understand saying “I am sorry” too much.  I was a professional at that for many years.  The problem was that I would be on a great string of self-centered acts, only concerned about what I want.  When those actions came to a head, I would say I am sorry and really lay it on thick that I would never “do it again”.  There lies the issue.  There was never any change in behavior.  No “amending” my behavior when I was making my amends.  It was all words and fluff and frankly just BS.  All I wanted was for that person who I had harmed to get out of my way so I could get back to my self-destructed behavior.

I am not perfect at all but do try to make sure that when I have caused harm to someone that I change my behavior so it does not happen again.  Did I do better today when my head hits the pillow vs yesterday?

As far as “thank you”, how can you say that too much?  In just my career so far, I have been blessed to work with amazing people who are way smarter than me and made me look great.  I was and am truly grateful for their work and efforts to push the ball forward, whatever that was at the time.

I recently listened to a podcast with the NY Times best selling author A.J. Jacobs that was promoting his latest book, Thanks a Thousand:  A Gratitude Journey.  The book chronicles his journey around the world to personally thank everyone along the supply chain who makes his morning cup of coffee possible.

Whoa.  That really made me think.  Everything I do and touch was made possible by thousands and thousands of people.  Everything.  It has really helped me open my eyes to world in a whole new way.

Last night, I was laying in a hospital bed next to my Dad listening to all the sounds buzzing on his hospital floor at 11p at night.  The doctors, the nurses, the orderlies, the person buffing the floor and on and on.  At first, I was of course annoyed that their inconsiderate actions would wake my father.  How dare they?  Then, thinking about Jacobs book, my whole perception changed.  I realized that there was a whole massive operation of people cranking in the middle of the night to help make sure all the patients on that floor get better.  To be healthy.  To have one more day.

I do not say thank you enough.