Thank You that Shows

A recent experience has reminded me of the necessity to make a thank you in a supportive environment - our actions and our words must match.

1. Don't tell someone you are going to thank them. Either thank someone, or wait until you are able to thank them in an environment that matches words and actions. If you promise a thank-you gift, for instance, and then do not deliver it in a timely fashion, the recipient feels short-changed, not appreciated.
2. Find the core of sincerity before saying thank you. Sometime we are not as grateful as we may want to convey - insincerity shows like mud on a white dress shirt. No matter what the circumstances, if appreciation must be shown, analyze the situation to find something that you really do appreciate. Focus your words on that core of sincerity and ignore any wayward thoughts.
3. Don't thank hastily. An off-hand or throw-away thank you sounds insincere, even if you really mean to be appreciative. Take a few minutes, look the recipient full in the face and express your genuine feelings. Or, write a note that expresses your appreciation and mention a few specifics about the circumstances to show that you really are paying attention to the recipient.