VIEWPOINTS

The Art of Thanks

By Laura B. Moore
AT&T, USA

As I write this I am sitting at my daughters’ dance studio watching my youngest, Layla Blue, open the door for everyone who walks through. I would make a high estimate that maybe 55% of the people for whom she opens the door actually say “thank you.” Moreover, I notice that the “thank you”s are more free flowing from the kids and more reserved (if even in existence) from the adults. The million dollar question is; “what does this have to do with project management”, right? Actually… a lot. As I sit here watching, I see my daughter’s face light up when someone says “thank you” and truly means it. She is still fairly happy someone says “thank you”, even if they don’t really mean it. Her face sinks however when people walk through without even the slightest acknowledgement of her or her efforts.

The affect experienced by those who are appreciated is where “the Art of Thanks” intersects with project management. I know we’ve talked before about the importance of appreciation, and our fabulous previous editor Judy Umlas has become one of appreciations biggest champions (Yea Judy!!), but I think it bears repeating how much power is held within those two little words; two little words that have a gigantic impact.

Recently my team was talking about implementing an appreciation program. I have to say that it is quite a wonderful program and I believe will aid in the motivation of the whole organization. However appreciation does not need to be formal or widely publicized to be effective. Sometimes the most effective appreciation is the sincere and somewhat intimate “thank you” that is shared sincerely between two people, or shared on a project team call amongst team mates.

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About the Author Laura Bollinger-Moore Author Laura Bollinger-Moore, PMP, M.A. Social Psychology, MOM, has an eclectic background that includes not only her work in the Telecom industry in such fields as Project Management, Regulatory, Human Resources, Customer Service and Operations, but also outside of Telecom as a Clinical Psychology Researcher and a Social Worker. Currently, Laura is an analyst in Consumer Competitive Intelligence at AT&T, managing multiple simultaneous research projects and providing foresight into, and analysis on, trends and fads, as well as cutting edge upcoming technology. Laura lives in California with her husband Lorin, and their two amazing daughters Lily Faye and Layla Blue. Laura can be contacted at Laura.b.moore@att.com