Never forget the power of a letter

In today's technology filled world it can be so easy to send an email, send an IM, post an update, and feel that we've done our duty to communicate a message.  But before you hit send, just take a moment to think of the power of a letter.

In year's gone you probably received plenty of letters, but today real letters (not from your bank or electricity supplier) are probably thin on the ground.  Maybe an invitation to a wedding, or a thank-you card for a Christmas present.

What do you feel when you receive a real letter?

• That some-one took the time to write it and post it.
• That is was personal to you and not a mass Facebook update
• That they actually used a pen rather than a keypad
• That they chose a card specific to you
• That you smiled when a hand-written envelope came through the door

How great will Jim feel when this drops through his door?

If you're like us, you almost feel like writing a thank-you letter....for the thank-you letter!

So why not use letters as a way of thanking your team members now and again?  Perhaps a postcard or letter for another year's service, or a great project that was brought in on budget.

Your team member will seriously appreciate that you've taken the time to sit down, think about it, write them a letter and post it.  Their family will no doubt see it as well - "Hey check this out, I've got a letter from my manager!" Public praise in the home is at the heart of social leadership!

Take a moment to think about some of the great work that your team has done over the past few months, and start sending a few postcards or letters.  Don't over do it - perhaps a couple per team member per year - that way they will be appreciated and not considered your standard practice.

Let us know here on the blog how you get on!