New York Lawyer
October 17, 2002

Q:
Okay, I�ve had it.

I have just sweated for the last three weeks working morning, noon and night on a huge matter, and at the end of it, there was not one word from the partner in charge.

Not one word. Not thank you. Not you did a good job. Nothing. He�s on to the next thing without a backward glance.

What is wrong with people that they can�t say a simple thank you?

Submit Your Question

Find More Answers

A:

One of the most common complaints I hear from people is a failure to observe what many think of as common courtesy: saying good morning to the secretary, thanking a hard working attorney, giving a pat on the back for the person who�s done a killer job.

It�s amazing how just putting simple acts of courtesy into place can make people feel better about their job. At one law firm a secretary confided that the reason she was so much happier there, as opposed to other firms, was because most of the partners would say "good morning" every day as they passed her desk. (They didn�t say much of anything else, but that was enough.)

Some people believe that you�re simply doing your job and you got paid, so what more do you want? But the reasons for showing a sign of appreciation are kind of obvious. It�s motivating. It suggests you care. It provides a human connection in what can often seem an inhuman business and it provides recognition.

To be sure, too much praise and gushing and thanking can be just as bad. When that happens, people can�t figure out what they�ve actually done right. The praise or thanks starts to ring false when it�s overdone, and there actually is a point at which you shouldn�t thank people simply for doing their job. But everybody�s got time for a plain old "thank you" after a yeoman�s effort.

Sincerely,
Holly English
Principal Consultant, Values at Work